JP2022501077A - Releasable palate dilator - Google Patents

Abstract

A releaseable and removable palate dilator (100) (“palatal dilator”) for dilating a patient's palate and how to use and manufacture it. These releasable palatal dilators (100) are adapted for simple removal by the patient or caregiver and are configured to bend or break in a predictable manner when tensile force is applied (167). ) Can be included. The palate dilator (100) described in the present application may include one or more locking devices for locking the palate dilator to the patient's teeth. When the locking tool is disengaged, the palatal dilator is released from the teeth. The locking tool may include a control unit for manually engaging and disengaging the locking tool. The engagement and disengagement of the locking tool automatically disengages the palatal dilator from the patient's teeth. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

(Mutual reference of related applications)
This patent application is under the name of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 656,289 filed on April 11, 2018 under the name of "Releaseable Patal Dilator" and under the name of "Releaseable Patal Dilator". Claim the priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 735,658 filed September 24, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This patent application is a US provisional patent application No. 62 / 429,692 filed on December 2, 2016 (under the name of "Method of manufacturing a palatal dilator") and ("Patent dilator and method of palatal dilator"). (In the name of) "Patent dilator and method of palatal dilation" filed on December 4, 2017, claiming the priority of US provisional patent application No. 62 / 542,750 filed on August 8, 2017. Also referred to in US Patent Application No. 15 / 831,159 under the name, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application relates to US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0081768 (named "Arch Extension Orthotic Device") and US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0081769 (named "Arch Adjustable Device"), which are by reference. Each is incorporated herein by reference as a whole.

(Used by reference)
All gazettes and patent applications referred to herein are here by reference in their entirety to the same extent that each individual gazette or patent application is specifically and individually incorporated by reference. Incorporated in.

The technical field relates to a removable palatal dilator, a method of making a removable palatal dilator, and a method of using and / or removing the palatal dilator.

Various orthodontic problems are associated with a narrow palate. In some situations, the patient's upper jaw is not large enough to accommodate the patient's upper teeth. In other cases, there is room for the upper teeth, but the palate is so narrow that conversation is impaired or difficult. In other cases, the palate is so high that it reduces the amount of air that can pass through the nose, making deep breathing without opening the mouth nearly impossible. In all of these cases, palatal dilation, including applying a force that isolates, dilates, and / or dilates the maxilla, is beneficial.

Although there are many conventional palatal dilators for isolating, expanding, and expanding the patient's maxilla, these devices are often difficult to remove. As an example, many palate dilators exert a large force on the patient's palate and / or arch when inserted into the patient's palate. Due to these and other factors, it is usually difficult to remove the palatal dilator from the patient's mouth. While these issues are persistent for adult patients, they also apply to pediatric patients, patients who are less integrated than typical adult patients, or patients who have their palatal dilator removed by a caregiver such as a parent. In addition, the conventional technique for forming a fitting on a patient's crown may be limited to a formable geometry using a thermoformed mounting template.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

Described herein are palatal dilators (including devices and systems) that can be easily removed from the patient's mouth. Also described here is a removal tool that can be used to remove the palatal dilator from the patient's mouth. The systems and techniques described herein allow the palate dilator to be easily removed (eg, removed) from the patient's palate even when the palate dilator is attached to one or more wearers of the patient's teeth and / or palate. .. Specific examples described herein may include a palatal dilator (and / or a palatal dilator series) that includes a fractured region. A "break region", when used herein, is a structure configured to facilitate damage, bending, deformation, etc. of the structure through the material, geometry, location, and / or other properties of the break region. Refers to an area. In some embodiments, the fracture region may include a region of material that is different from the material used to form the rest of the palatal dilator. The material used to form the fracture area is softer or more fragile than the material used to form the remnants of the palatal dilator so that the palatal dilator can be damaged, bent, deformed, etc. at the fracture area. Yes or not enough. In some embodiments, the fractured region may have a different contour or geometric shape than the other regions of the palatal dilator so that the palatal dilator can be damaged, bent, deformed, etc. at the fractured region.

The fracture area can be strategically placed at the location of the palatal dilator to absorb the removal force applied to the palatal dilator. As an example, the fracture area may be strategically placed on the other side of the fulcrum formed between the fracture area and the edge of the palate dilator and used to remove the palate dilator from the palate. .. The fracture area can absorb the removal energy generated through the removal force more effectively than the other areas of the palatal dilator. Fracture, flexion, deformation, etc. of the fractured area can generate sufficient force to remove the palate dilator from the patient's palate. As further noted here, the sides or edges of the palatal dilator are one or more edges that abut the one or more dilator removal tools (including fingers, tools with hooks, and / or other structures). It may have one or more desorption regions that may include partial geometry. The edge geometry facilitates the transfer of removal force to the fracture area through the fulcrum and / or other structure. In some embodiments, the edge geometry is on the buccal side of any of the tooth fitting regions. The removing force may include, but is not necessary, a "tensile force" that is a force that moves away from the patient's dentition. In some embodiments, this force causes the fracture area to "predictably" bend, break, deform, etc., or break in a substantially predictable manner and / or in a substantially predictable arrangement. I can let you.

A method of removing a palatal dilator having a fractured region is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are methods of designing and / or manufacturing a palatal dilator with a fracture area.

In some embodiments, instruments (such as devices and systems) are used for gradual dilation of the patient's palate with the palate dilator series. Provided here are methods and instruments (including systems and devices) for gradual palatal dilation. These palatal dilators can be adapted for comfort, effectiveness, and / or ease of removal. For example, what is described here is a first gradual expander with a geometry selected to expand the palate and a geometry selected to progressively expand the palate to the desired target width. A system for palatal dilation that may include an incremental dilator series that includes one or more intermediate dilators with a shape.

Generally, the palatal dilator has a first molar fitting (or premolar / premolar fitting) region adapted to fit the upper molars on the first side of the upper jaw and an upper molar on the second side of the upper jaw. Provides a second molar fitting (or premolar fitting) area adapted to fit with and a lateral force that fits adjacent to the shape of the palate while gradually expanding the palate. Described as a premolar device having a palatal region with a geometric shape configured as such. The palatal dilator may be simply referred to as a "dilator" or "palatal dilator" for convenience. Each palatal dilator in the dilator series contains two molar regions (which may also be configured to include premolars) on each side, each with one or more cavities, each of which is of the patient's. Adapted to fit into one of the molars (or molars and / or premolars). In one embodiment, each molar region comprises two (or more) cavities configured to fit into two (or more) posterior molars or premolars. Each palatal dilator may include a palatal region that isolates the two molar regions and fits into the patient's palate. In general, the distance between the molar regions of the dilator series increases continuously in the order in which they are worn.

The palatal region of the device may impart a force that stretches or expands the central palatal region. Energy-enhancing features (eg, springs and thermoactive materials) are placed in this area, in addition, this area can disperse the applied forces in a more delicate manner than previously described: struts, supports, cloths. It may include one or more adaptations such as beams, ribs, gaps / windows, fittings and the like. For example, one or more of these devices may be located between the palatal dilator and the patient's mouth (eg, on the gingiva and / or along the upper and lower lateral portions of the patient's teeth, including the molars). By arranging the contact points of, the applied force may be configured to be dispersed in a predetermined and / or desired pattern. The bends (eg, recesses) of the device are also adjusted to disperse the applied force while providing a gap between the palate and the device and / or providing a gap for the user's tongue. Can be done.

Any of the palate dilators (eg, devices, systems, etc.) for dilating a patient's palate described herein may include one or more locking devices. The locking tool secures the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth by locking the buccal side of the palatal dilator to one or more attachments joined to the tooth, and by lateral force from the palatal dilator. The right dilation force can be applied to the upper palate in the right area. For example, the locking tool can be manually engaged and disengaged by operating a control unit (for example, a tab or the like) or by applying a releasing force to fit and disengage the locking tool. A large number of locking tools may be used and may act to maintain lateral force so that the palatal dilator is not retracted until the locking tools are engaged and disengaged.

For example, a palatal dilator (eg, a palatal dilator system) connects a first tooth fitting region, a second tooth fitting region, and first and second fitting regions to a first tooth fitting region and a second. A palatal dilator having a palatal region configured to apply lateral force between the fitting region and a plurality of buccal fittings coupling between the first tooth fitting region and the second tooth fitting region. A region and a plurality of locking tools are included, and each mounting tool coupling region of the plurality of mounting tool coupling regions is associated with the locking tool of the plurality of locking tools, and each locking tool is further referred to as a locking tool. It is configured to engage with the fitting in the fitting area to lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth.

The fitting area can be a recess, an opening, or the like of a palatal dilator for mating with one or more fittings attached to the tooth. For example, the wearer coupling region can be the buccal window of the palatal dilator (eg, the wear window).

The locking tool may generally include a release control unit that fits with the indwelling unit. The release control unit is in the palate dilator and the indwelling part is in the attachment, or the indwelling part is in the palate dilator and the release control unit is in the attachment. For example, a locking tool may be a latch, lever, switch, hook that fits into an indwelling portion (eg, groove, hollow, retainer, fastener, catch, clasp, latch, protrusion, etc.) through the fitting coupling area. , Tabs, arms, snaps, bars, pins, etc. may include release controls.

For example, a palatal dilation system for dilating a patient's palate connects the first tooth fitting region, the second tooth fitting region, the first and second tooth fitting regions, and the first tooth fitting region and the first tooth fitting region. A palatal dilator that includes a palatal region configured to apply lateral force between the two tooth fitting regions, a buccal first fitting coupling region of the first tooth fitting region, and a first. A first locking tool on the buccal side of the tooth fitting region, which extends to the first mounting tool coupling region and fits with the indwelling portion of the mounting tool in the first mounting tool coupling region to be fitted with the first locking tool. A first locking tool that includes a first releasing control unit that is configured to lock the palatal dilator to the patient's tooth until it is released, and a second buccal attachment that includes the second tooth fitting area. A second locking tool on the buccal side of the binding area and the second tooth fitting area, which extends to the second fitting area and fits into the indwelling portion of the second fitting in the second fitting area. Together, it may include a second locking tool that includes a second releasing control unit configured to lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth. The palatal expansion system also includes a wearer, such as a first wearer and a second wearer, the first and second wearer configured to be joined to the patient's teeth.

Each indwelling portion of the first attachment and the second attachment may include one or more of a groove, a hollow, a retainer, a stopper, a catch, a clasp, and a latch. Each of the first and second release controls may include one or more of latches, levers, switches, tabs, hooks, arms, snaps, protrusions, bars and pins. For example, the first release control unit may include a latch configured to slide into a groove in the indwelling portion of the first attachment. In some examples, the first release control unit includes a hook configured to fit into the indwelling portion of the first fitting. In any of these examples, the first release control unit may include one or more flexible protrusions. The first release control unit includes a locking configuration in which the first release control unit extends to the first wearer coupling region and a non-locking configuration in which the first release control unit retracts from the first wearer coupling region. Can be.

The first and second locking tools are symmetrically arranged in the palatal dilator about the median line of the palatal dilator, and the palatal dilator is symmetrical about the median line.

The palatal expansion system for expanding the patient's palate connects the first tooth fitting area, the second tooth fitting area, and the first and second tooth fitting areas to connect the first tooth fitting area and the second tooth. A palatal dilator that includes a palatal area configured to apply lateral force between the fitting area and a plurality of buccal attachments between the first tooth fitting area and the second tooth fitting area. A plurality of locking tools on the buccal side of the coupling region, the first tooth fitting region and the second tooth fitting region, and the release control unit extends to the fitting coupling region among the plurality of fitting coupling regions. A plurality of locking tools, each including a unlocking control unit having a locking configuration to be released and a non-locking configuration in which the release control unit retracts from the mounting tool coupling region, and a plurality of mounting tools to be locked. The configuration may include a plurality of attachments, each of which includes an indwelling portion configured to engage with a release control unit to lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth.

The palatal dilator series described herein is only a predetermined distance (eg, the distance between the molar regions of one dilator is less than 2 mm from the distance between the molar regions of the previous dilator, 0.1 and 2 mm. Between 0.25 and 1 mm, etc.) and / or at a given force (eg, the applied force is less than 180 Newtons (N), between 8 and 200 N, between 8 and 90 N, Between 8-80N, between 8-70N, between 8-60N, between 8-50N, between 8-40N, between 8-30N, between 30-60N, between 30-70N, 40- To dilate the patient's palate between 60N, 40-70N, 60-200N, 70-180N, 70-160N, etc., and any range in between). Can be configured.

In any of the appliances described herein (and the method of manufacturing them), the expander is a polymer material (eg acrylic, thermoplastic, thermosetting, etc.) and / or stainless steel, nickel titanium, copper. It can be formed from a metallic material containing nickel titanium or the like. One of these instruments is formed by a 3D printing and / or laminating process and can be formed (eg, to form a single device) and / or the instrument is formed from a layer of material that can be glued together. Different layers have different mechanical and / or chemical properties and may contain different thicknesses or thickness regions. For example, the appliance may include laminated materials that are joined together.

Also described herein are instruments and methods for forming these by direct manufacturing techniques. For example, instruments (including the palatal dilator series) can be digitally designed and manufactured by direct printing (eg, 3D printing). Alternatively or additionally, the manufacturing method may include 3D printing of a model of the tooth, gingiva, palate digitally configured to form one or more of a series of palate dilations.

Also described here is a method of dilating a patient's palate using any of the instruments described here, which places each dilator in the dilator series in a position to dilate the palate. Installation, leaving the dilator in place for a period of time, replacing the dilator with the next dilator in the dilator series until the desired palatal dilation occurs, and then in the final position of the desired target width. It may include loading a palate dilator configured to hold the palate.

Generally, the palatal dilator described herein may be referred to as a palatal dilator shell device. The tooth fitting area (eg, molar or molar / premolar fitting area) can be configured as a shell that fits into the patient's teeth as described above.

Any of the palatal dilators described herein may be configured to adapt to improved removal of the palatal dilator. For example, a palatal dilator for dilation of the patient's palate (eg, a palatal dilation shell device) configured for ease of removal is such that each extends from anterior to posterior and is worn on the patient's teeth. A pair of tooth fitting areas constructed, each of which is a tooth fitting area including the occlusal side and the buccal side, and a palatal area connecting the pair of tooth fitting areas, and the device is worn by the patient. It may include a palatal region configured to apply a lateral force between the pair of tooth fitting regions when it is done. One of these palatal dilators includes a fracture region that extends from anterior to posterior, and the fracture region is predictable when tensile force is applied to either or both buccal sides of the pair of tooth fitting regions. It is configured to bend or break.

A pair of tooth fitting regions hold the patient's teeth in a pocket, hollow, chamber, region, or groove, or series of interconnect pockets formed by the molar region of the shell device, and on one side of the patient's mouth. It can be a molar (and / or molar / premolar) region configured to hold the patient's molars / premolars. The first tooth fitting area, called the first molar (or molar / premolar) fitting area, is anterior (eg, towards the front of the patient's mouth when worn) and posteriorly (eg, posterior to the patient's mouth when worn). Can be extended with the configuration of). The first molar (or molar / premolar) fitting area can generally extend from anterior to posterior in the patient's mouth when worn.

The tooth fitting region (eg, molar or molar / premolar fitting region) generally includes the occlusal side and the buccal side, respectively. The buccal side is generally outward from the mouth over the buccal surface of the molars / premolars when the instrument is worn by the patient. The occlusal surface is generally located adjacent to the occlusal (occlusal) surface of the tooth. As described above, the pair of tooth fitting regions are connected by a palate region configured to connect the pair of tooth fitting regions and to be located adjacent to the patient's palate between them when worn by the patient. obtain.

In general, a fracture region is a region of low mechanical strength compared to the mechanical strength of the region adjacent to either side of the fracture region. Therefore, the palatal dilator can preferably bend or break along the fracture area. In general, the fracture region can be a line, groove, pattern, etc. extending from the rear to the front. The fracture region can extend along the instrument to part of the anterior-posterior path or to the entire anterior-posterior path. The fracture region can be continuous (eg, as a continuous line or curve) or discontinuous (eg, a series of low mechanical strength regions arranged as a line or curve, such as a dashed line, perforation, etc.). The mechanical strength of the fractured area is part of the mechanical strength of the area adjacent to it (eg, less than about 0.95 times this strength, less than about 0.9 times this strength, about 0.85 times this strength. Less than, less than about 0.8 times this strength, less than about 0.75 times this strength, less than about 0.7 times this strength, less than about 0.65 times this strength, about 0.6 times this strength Less than, less than about 0.55 times this strength, less than about 0.5 times this strength, less than about 0.45 times this strength, etc.). Due to the low mechanical strength of the rupture, when a force, especially a tensile force directed laterally outwardly (or including a vector component of that orientation) when the palatal dilator is worn by the patient, is applied, the rupture is applied. The area can bend, crush, collapse, etc.

For example, the fracture region can be a perforation region formed by regions of low strength regions (holes, pits, points, islands, etc.) arranged linearly (straight or curved) along the instrument. The low-strength region can be a crease or groove. The low-strength region may be one or more voids within the palatal expansion shell device.

In any of the instruments and methods described herein, low-strength fracture regions can be formed using multiple material structures. For example, the fracture region can be formed of a material that is more elastic than the adjacent region. Therefore, the application of a predetermined force to the orthotic device bends the fracture area and allows the orthotic device to be removed without the need for substantial additional force. Thus, any of these orthotic devices may include a small amount of elastic material strategically placed in the fracture (“hinge”) region to aid flexion. It can be used in addition to or instead of using the formation of voids in the orthotic device. The instrument may be configured such that the elastic material in the fracture region can return to its original (non-bent) shape after bending.

The fracture region may be located along one or both tooth fitting regions and / or along the palatal region. A first fracture region along the occlusal side of the first tooth fitting region and / or a second fracture region along the occlusal side of the second tooth fitting region and / or a palatal fracture region along the palatal region. Etc., one or more fracture regions may be included. For example, the fracture region may extend to one occlusal side of the pair of tooth fitting regions. As mentioned above, the fracture regions can be arranged in an anterior-posterior (eg, front-to-back) pattern.

With some modifications, the fracture region is configured to form a hinge or hinge region. Alternatively or additionally, the fracture region may be configured to fracture when a tensile force greater than a predetermined fracture value is applied laterally outward to one buccal side of the pair of tooth fitting regions. Therefore, in some deformations, there is a hinged flexion when a tensile force greater than a predetermined value (eg, a predetermined flexion value) is applied laterally outward to one buccal side of the pair of tooth fitting regions. The fracture region can be configured as such.

The predetermined flexion or breakage value is set to a value contained in the tensile force that can be applied by a human hand / finger, or to a value that can be reasonably applied by a tool for removing the instrument as described in more detail below. Can be done. For example, the predetermined bending or breaking value is about 5N or more, about 6N or more, about 7N or more, about 8N or more, about 9N or more, about 10N or more, about 11N or more, about 12N or more, about 15N or more, about 20N or more, It can be between about 5N and 100N, between about 7.5N and 100N, between about 10N and 100N, and so on.

With some deformation, the fracture region is preferably configured to break (or break at least a portion of its length). In other deformations, the fracture region is configured to bend preferably at least a portion of its length. With some deformations, the fracture region may be configured to first bend at a first predetermined bending value and then at a second (eg, higher) predetermined fracture value.

The fracture area can be marked or visible. Some variants are marked with different colors, textures, creases, etc. to indicate bending and / or breaking lines. With some deformations, the rupture area is not visible.

The fracture area extends over the entire length of the palatal dilator, or only part of the length of the palatal dilator (eg, anterior-posterior length), eg, from the front of the patient's mouth to the back of the patient's mouth. Can be. For example, the fracture region can extend from the front end of the palatal expansion shell device to the rear end of the palatal expansion shell device. Alternatively, in some deformations there may be a fracture region only in part of the anterior-posterior length.

Any of the palatal dilators described herein may include multiple wearing areas, each configured to be coupled to a fitting attached to the patient's mouth. The fracture region may extend adjacent to one or more of the mounting regions along the anterior-posterior axis.

Any of the palatal dilators described herein may also include, for example, one or more desorption regions on at least one buccal side of a pair of pair of tooth fitting regions configured to receive tensile forces. Generally, the palatal dilator is fitted from the tooth by bending or damaging the fractured area (including from the tooth wearer and between the tooth and the palatal dilator) so that the palatal dilator can be removed. By removing it, it can be attached and detached as a protrusion, cavity, tab, etc. for applying a tensile force having a lateral outward component for removing the palatal dilator by fitting with the removal tool and / or the user's finger. Regions can be constructed. For example, the detachable area can be one or more of the lower buccal edge or adjacent slots, ledges, notches, lips, or gaps. The desorption area can be large enough to receive a tool and / or a finger or nail. For example, the desorption region may include pockets, gaps, etc. that are between about 1 mm and 15 mm (eg, between about 1 mm and 12 mm, between about 1 mm and 10 mm, between about 1 mm and 8 mm, between about 1 mm and 5 mm, etc.). Can include.

Any of these instruments may include one or more (eg, multiple) vertical slots or slits extending from the buccal bottom towards the fracture area. These slots or slits have a buccal portion (especially on either side of one or more fittings) that bends or is pulled from the gingiva and teeth to be detached from one or more fittings. Enables.

For example, a palatal dilation shell device is configured to be easily removed to dilate the patient's palate, and the device is configured to extend from anterior to posterior and be worn on the patient's teeth. A pair of tooth fitting areas, each including a occlusal side and a buccal side, and a palatal area connecting the pair of tooth fitting areas, wherein the device is worn by the patient. The palatal region, which is sometimes configured to apply a lateral force between a pair of tooth fitting regions, and the fracture region extending from the anterior to the posterior, where the tensile force having a lateral outward component is a pair of tooth fittings. A fracture with a lower mechanical strength than the mechanical strength of the region adjacent to either side of the fracture region so that the fracture region bends or breaks predictably when applied to either or both buccal sides of the combined region. It may include an area.

Any of the instruments described herein may be adapted to facilitate retention, i.e., facilitating removal of the palatal dilator without diminishing the ability of the patient to hold the palatal dilator in place. For example, any of the palatal dilators may include a fracture area. Any of these instruments may also, or alternatively, include a desorption area on the buccal side of one or both of the palatal dilators. As mentioned above, the detachable area (called the removal grip, removal cavity, removal handle, removal fitting, removal slot, etc.) allows the user to insert a nail and / or removal tool into the palatal dilator from the tooth. Gaps, slots, openings, etc. that may be adapted to allow removal may be included on the upward or downward side. The detachable region may be configured to deform or damage the fractured region to release the palatal dilator from the patient's teeth. The detachable area can be configured as a buccal lip, ledge, or protrusion of the palatal dilator. Therefore the fracture region can form a hinge region. In some variants, this hinge area is between the occlusal surface and the buccal side, so the buccal side of the palatal dilator can be removed from the patient's teeth and / or attached so that it can be removed by manipulating the desorption area. Pull from the ingredient. One of these palatal dilators is a slit that extends upward from the edge of the palatal dilator toward the buccal occlusal surface and pulls all or part of the palatal dilator upward to fit and detach from the teeth. It may include slots, gaps, etc.

Also described here is a palatal dilator adapted to have varying thicknesses for comfort. For example, in any of these variants, the palatal dilator faces the patient's tongue when worn and is smooth or flat compared to the opposite side (which matches the patient's palate to which the palatal dilator is worn). It may include the medial bottom surface of the palatal arch portion of a palatal dilator. This opposite side of the tongue may have a rounded surface that does not contain a rapid transition of morphology compared to the patient's actual palate. In any of these examples, the instruments described herein can have different thicknesses (including variable). In some variants, the device may include a palatal area that narrows toward the front of the palatal dilator. In any of these variants, the posterior portion of the palatal dilator is thin and / or excised (excluded from) from the palatal dilator, which may prevent or limit nausea.

The palatal dilator described herein can be removed by applying a force (eg, tensile force) to bend and / or break the fracture region. For example, as described herein, the first tooth fitting area is worn on the first part of the patient's tooth and the second tooth fitting area is worn on the second part of the patient's tooth. In a state where the palatal region extending between the first tooth fitting region and the second tooth fitting region applies a lateral force between the first tooth fitting region and the second tooth fitting region. In the step of applying a tensile force to the buccal side of the palatal expansion shell device, the tensile force causes the fracture area of the palatal expansion shell device to be damaged or bent along the fracture area and from the patient's first or second tooth assembly. A method of removing a palatal dilated shell device from a patient's teeth, which may include a step of inserting and detaching the palatal dilated shell device and a step of removing the palatal dilated shell device from the patient's oral cavity.

As mentioned above, the tensile force can be any suitable force. For example, the application of tensile force includes the application of about 100N, about 90N, about 80N, about 70N, about 60N, about 50N, about 40N, about 30N, about 20N and the like. The applied tensile force can be about 5N or more, about 7.5N or more, about 8N or more, about 10N or more, about 12N or more, about 15N or more (for example, between about 5 to 100N, etc.). The applied tensile force refers to the laterally outward component of the force. In general, this laterally outward force is downward or laterally outward (eg, parallel to the plane of the palatal dilator and / or parallel to the plane of the patient's upper palate when worn) and downward (eg, lateral occlusion). It can also be directed away from the plane and / or towards the lower jaw when the palatal dilator is worn on the upper jaw). In some variants, a force may be applied in a direction that is between the laterally outward and downward directions when the palatal dilator is worn. The application of a tensile force may include pulling the buccal side of the palatal dilator with a force having a laterally outward force component or a laterally outward force component and a downward component. For example, the application of tensile force may include pulling on the buccal edge of the palatal dilator.

In general, the application of tensile force bends or breaks the fracture area along the fracture area, so the palatal expansion shell device, including the fit and detachment from one or more fittings between the palatal expansion shell device and the patient's teeth. Is detached from the tooth. The application of tensile force can hinge the fracture region along the fracture region. The application of tensile force can damage the fracture region along the fracture region.

The tensile force is manually applied by the user using a finger or a tool, and the application of such a tensile force includes the use of a tool to which the tensile force is applied. The tool may include a long arm and a fulcrum area that exerts this action on a portion of the palatal dilator. In some variants, applying tensile force involves applying tensile force using a claw. The application of tensile force may include pulling the desorption area on the buccal side of the palatal expansion shell device.

The method of removing the palatal dilatation shell device from the patient's teeth is that the first tooth fitting area is worn on the patient's first tooth assembly and the second tooth fitting area is worn on the patient's second tooth assembly. Further, the palatal region extending between the first tooth fitting region and the second tooth fitting region applies a lateral force between the first tooth fitting region and the second tooth fitting region. In this state, a tensile force is applied to the buccal side of the palatal dilator shell device, and the tensile force damages or bends the fractured region of the palatal dilator shell device at a predetermined location to cause the patient's first or second tooth assembly. Includes one or more areas with mechanical strength lower than the material strength of the area of the palatal dilator surrounding the ruptured area, with the ruptured area extending from anterior to posterior along the palatal dilator shell. And removing the palatal dilatation shell device from the patient's oral cavity.

Also described herein is one in which the palatal dilator is configured to include one or more gaps or spacings between the patient's superior arch and the upper (eg, palatal facing) surface of the palatal dilator. Or a method for forming a series of palatal dilators and a method for manufacturing and using them. For example, any of these instruments may be configured to include a gap or concave groove or region that prevents collisions near the gingival line (eg, the cheek and / or lingual side of the instrument). Any of these instruments may be configured to include a gap between the upper (eg, palate-facing) surface of the palate dilator and the palate.

Methods and instruments for performing palatal dilation using any of these instruments are also described. For example, described herein are methods and instruments for scanning a patient's oral cavity so that the palatal dilator described herein can be formed (particularly including the superior arch).

A method of loading or wearing a palatal dilator described herein is described, including a method for the patient to load the palatal dilator into his or her teeth. Also described herein are fittings (which may be referred to as alternatives to retention fittings, retention struts, etc.) and fittings which may be configured to detachably secure the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth. It is a template to be attached to the patient's teeth. Also described is how to form the attachment template and / or attach the attachment to the teeth.

Described herein are methods and instruments for removing a palatal dilator from a patient's teeth. For example, described herein is a removal tool that assists a person (and, in particular, a patient) in the removal of a palatal dilator when immobilized on the patient's teeth.

Also described here is how to make any of the instruments described here.

For example, described herein is a palate dilator for dilating a patient's palate. The palatal dilator comprises a pair of occlusal fitting regions connected by the palatal region and one or more wearing regions each configured to be coupled to a fitting attached to the patient's cheek. The region is configured to apply a force between 8 and 160N between the pair of tooth fitting regions when worn by the patient, each of the tooth fitting regions including the occlusal side and the buccal side, and further occlusal. The side is thinner than the palatal area and the buccal side is thinner than the occlusal side.

The palatal region can be a thickness between about 1-5 mm (eg, between 1.5 and 3 mm, between 2 and 2.5 mm, etc.). The occlusal side can have a thickness between about 0.5 and 2 mm (eg, between 0.5 and 1.75 mm, between .75 and 1.7 mm, etc.). The buccal side can have a thickness between about 0.25 to 1 mm (eg, between 0.35 and .85 mm, between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, etc.).

As mentioned above, any of these instruments may include a desorption area on the buccal side of the device that, when attached to the patient's teeth, aids in removal of the device. The force applied to enlarge the palate can make easy removal of the device difficult. Detachable areas located on the buccal side (eg, notches, gaps, handles, tabs, slots, etc.) make it easier to remove the appliance from the tooth, especially when the appliance is used to hold the appliance to the tooth. Can be used for. The desorption region can be a handle or grip region for applying tensile force to remove the palatal dilator. The detachable area is on or extends from the buccal side, is at least 0.25 to 1 mm away from the patient's gingiva when the device is worn, and may be near (or bottom) the buccal bottom edge of the device. Extends from the edge or across the bottom edge). For example, the buccal bottom edge extends from the buccal side of the device along all or one side of the buccal region (eg, between 1 mm and 5 cm, eg, 1 mm to 4 cm, 1 mm to 3 cm, 5 mm to 4 cm, etc.). It can be configured as a desorption area. The extension can be configured to form a gap of about 0.25 to 1 mm that will now extend beneath the patient's gingiva, eg, when the instrument is worn on the patient. Any of these instruments may include one or more vertical slots or slits extending from the buccal bottom to the occlusal side. In particular, these slots or slits can be on either side of the detachable area.

Any of these instruments can be smooth on the opposite side of the instrument to the tongue. For example, the palatal region may include an upward convex surface having a first curved surface that includes a plurality of grooves and ridges that are consistent with the pits and ridges of the patient's palate. Further, the palatal region includes a lower concave surface having a second curved surface that is smoother than the first curved surface. Smoothness can mean that there are few (deep, high) grooves and / or ridges and / or that they are not widened.

Also described here is a method of making a palatal dilator, which receives a model of the patient's superior arch (eg, digital model, manual model, etc.) and a pair connected by the palatal region. Includes forming a palatal dilator with a tooth fitting area and one or more anteriorly extending fracture areas. The method also includes forming the palatal dilator to include two or more mounting areas, each configured to be coupled to a fitting attached to the patient's tooth, the tooth fitting area. Each is configured to fit into the patient's tooth, each embracing the occlusal side and the buccal side, and the occlusal side is fitted to the patient's nail to fit from the patient's tooth attachment to the attachment area. It includes a detachable region configured to fit and detach at least one of them. The formation of the device is to form one of the features described here, including a detachable area, a slit / slot, to smooth the opposite side of the tongue, to form an opening in the device, to make the thickness of different areas to each other. On the other hand, and / or changing in each region may be included. For example, the formation may include forming the palatal region by smoothing the bottom surface of the palatal region with respect to the opposite upper surface of the palatal region.

For example, the method of making a palatal dilator is to receive a model of the patient's superior arch and to be coupled to a pair of occlusal fitting regions connected by the palatal region and a fitting attached to the patient's teeth. To form a palatal dilator with two or more mounting areas, each of which comprises, and between the palatal area and the first tooth fitting area (eg, along the buccal side, occlusal side, between the cheek and the occlusal side). Etc.) and one or more of the second tooth fitting regions (buccal side, along the occlusal side, between the cheek and the occlusal side, etc.) may include forming a fracture region extending from anterior to posterior. .. Each of the tooth fitting regions is configured to fit into the patient's teeth, each including the occlusal side and the buccal side. This method also forms a gapped detachable area on the buccal side that is configured to fit with the patient's nail or long tool to fit and detach at least one of the attachment areas from the patient's tooth attachment. It can also include doing.

In one of these methods, the tooth fitting area is on the buccal side of the tooth fitting area extending from the patient's gingiva to form a gap between about 0.25 to 1 mm when the instrument is worn on the patient. It may include an extension. The tooth fitting area may include a protrusion extending from the buccal side of the tooth fitting area. The palatal dilator may be configured to contact the lingual side of the patient's teeth when worn by the patient and apply a force between 8 and 160 N between the tooth fitting areas. The palatal dilator may be configured so that when worn by the patient, it does not contact the gingiva adjacent to the lingual side of the patient's teeth and / or the median of the patient's palate.

Instruments are formed in an appropriate manner, and inclusion of formation involves formation by three-dimensional (3D) printing. For example, receiving a model of the patient's superior arch may include receiving a digital model of the patient's teeth, gingiva, and palatal area.

In general, any of these palatal dilators will have all or part of it (eg, the central palatal region, such as being configured to be placed opposite the suture line) when the device is worn, to some minimum distance, eg. Between 0.01 and 5 mm (for example, 0.02 mm or more, 0.03 mm or more, 0.04 mm or more, 0.05 mm or more, 0.06 mm or more, 0.07 mm or more, 0.1 mm or more, 0.15 mm or more, It may be configured to be separated from the patient's palate by 0.2 mm or more, 0.25 mm or more, etc.). This minimum distance can be determined when forming the palatal dilator by modeling the patient's dental arch (eg, from a digital model), including the palatal region. Including this minimum distance may be particularly helpful in preventing tactile or irritation of the soft and / or hard palate when wearing the palate dilator.

This space between the facing surface of the palate area of the palate dilator and the patient's palate can be referred to as the gap. This interval is positive (eg, forming a gap), or in some areas of the palate region it is negative to exert force to dilate the palate and can collide with, for example, the patient's palate. Negative gaps can be identified by comparing an actual model of the patient's palate or a predictive model (eg, for later stages of diastolic treatment) with the lateral (palatal facing) surface of the palate dilator. The actual or predictive model can be a digital (virtual) or template of the patient's dental arch. In the post-treatment stage, gaps can be estimated from a digital model that predicts the morphology of the patient's palatal region by altering the morphology of the palatal region to reflect the progression of treatment.

For example, by including a positive gap greater than some minimum (eg, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, etc., see above) in a region configured to be worn opposite the soft palate region, the patient's palate. Contact with the soft palate area can be avoided. In general, any of these instruments may be configured so that the central palatal region (eg, opposite the central palatal suture) is offset from the patient's palate when worn. In some variants, the isolation distance can be maximum in this central palatal region. With some variants, the isolation distance is reduced laterally and negative gaps (eg, force-applied contacts) may be present laterally. The gap can vary over the aligner sequence or series. For example, the first (early) stage may be configured to have a lower positive maximum gap than the later stage, which may have a large maximum gap. Any of these instruments may have a larger positive gap posterior than anterior. With some variants, the positive maximum gap can be tapered from the maximum of the central palatal region towards the teeth.

For example, in some variants, the palatal region may be configured to have a gap greater than 0.1 mm from the patient's central palatal region when the device is worn on the patient.

Any of these instruments may include two or more mounting areas, each configured to be coupled to a fitting attached to the patient's tooth. The mounting area can be an opening, recess, slot, groove, or the like for fixation to a fitting attached to the patient's tooth. The attachment area is fixed to the patient's teeth, but the removal of the device from the attachment by flexing a portion of the palatal dilator on the buccal side (eg, the detachable area), including those that extend from the buccal side. It can be configured to allow.

In general, as mentioned above, any of the palatal dilators described herein may include variable thickness (eg, a transverse thickness that is vertical between the upper and lower surfaces on both sides). For example, the average and / or maximum thickness of the palatal region is greater than the average or maximum thickness of the occlusal surface (eg, the side worn on the occlusal surface of the tooth). The average or maximum thickness of the buccal surface (eg, the side worn on the buccal surface of the tooth) is smaller than the average or maximum thickness of the occlusal surface and / or the palatal surface. Alternatively or additionally, with some deformation, all or part of the occlusal surface can be excised. In general, the anterior portion of the palatal region may have a different average thickness than the posterior portion of the palatal region. For example, the anterior portion of the palatal region is thinner than the posterior portion of the palatal region. Alternatively, the anterior portion of the palatal dilator is thicker than the posterior portion.

As mentioned above, one of these instruments includes an extension extending from the buccal side of the instrument, which extends adjacent to the patient's gingiva and from now on, approximately when the instrument is worn by the patient. It forms a gap between 0.25 and 1 mm. The length of the extension can be determined so as not to contact the inner surface of the cheek.

Also described here is a palate dilation system for dilating a patient's palate. These systems may include any of the palatal dilators described herein. Therefore, what is described herein is a system that includes any of these instruments (and a series of these instruments). Also described here is a method of dilating a patient's palate using a series of patient-removable palate dilators, which allows patient removal in a predetermined sequence that gradually widens. Containing the continuous wearing of each of multiple palatal dilators, with the exception of the final palatal dilator in the palate dilator series, each palatal dilator is a pair of tooth fittings connected by a palatal region. Containing an area and two or more attachment areas, the tooth fitting area is worn on the patient's teeth and the attachment area is coupled to the patient's tooth attachment, at least one of the palatal dilators described herein. Includes a break area for removal as such. Each palatal dilator is worn for 0.5 and 14 days, and each palatal dilator applies tensile force as described above to bend or damage the fracture area and at least one of the mounting areas. Is fitted and removed from the patient's tooth attachment. Therefore, wearing the device includes removal of the device in less than a few percent (eg 2%, 5%, 7%, 10%, etc.) of the time worn during this period (eg, minutes to 1 hour per day, etc.). obtain.

A method of forming a palatal dilator is provided. This method is to collect a virtual representation of the palatal surface, where the palatal surface has a convex geometric shape and is convex so that it engages the patient's palate when the palatal dilator is inserted into the patient's palate. The formation of the geometric shape and the collection of virtual representations of the tongue surface opposite the palate surface, the gap between the patient's tongue and the palate dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. The palatal dilator has a concave geometric shape configured to provide the palatal dilator to the palate by collecting virtual representations of the palatal surface and multiple side walls surrounding at least a portion of the palatal surface. Multiple sidewalls are configured to exert a sidewall force on one or more of the patient's palate and the tongue area of the tooth when inserted, and the plurality of sidewalls have at least one removal structure that receives the removal force. Collecting virtual representations of the body, that the body has a first deformation criterion corresponding to the substantial first deformation of the body subject to the removal force applied to the removal structure, and one or more breaks. By collecting a virtual representation of the region, one or more fracture regions have a second deformation criterion that corresponds to a substantial second deformation of the one or more fracture regions that have been subjected to the removal force applied to the removal structure. Has that the second deformation criterion is larger than the first deformation criterion, and that the virtual representation of the palatal surface, the virtual representation of the tongue, the virtual representation of multiple side walls, the virtual representation of the body, and one or more fracture regions. It may include using virtual representations to provide instructions for manufacturing palatal dilators.

Any of the collection steps may be performed as a single step or as a subordinate part of the single step. For example, a collection of virtual representations of the palatal surface, the tongue surface opposite the palatal surface, and / or the plurality of sidewalls surrounding at least a portion of the palatal surface and the tongue surface can be performed together. The collection of this information may include a scan of the patient's oral cavity (eg, performing a digital scan) and / or a model of the patient's oral cavity (eg, a physical model).

The palate dilator is a palate surface that has a convex geometric shape and has a convex geometric shape that engages with the patient's palate when the palate dilator is inserted into the patient's palate. A tongue surface opposite the surface, having a concave geometric shape configured to create a gap between the patient's tongue and the palate dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate, and the palate. Multiple sidewalls surrounding at least a portion of the face and tongue, configured to exert lateral force on one or more of the palatal and tooth tongue regions of the patient when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. It has a plurality of side walls and a plurality of side walls having at least one removing structure that receives the removing force, and a first deformation criterion corresponding to a substantial first deformation of the main body to which the removing force is applied to the removing force. Substantial second or more means of breaking the body and a portion of the palatal dilator by receiving a removing force, the one or more breaking areas subject to the removing force applied to the removal structure. It may include one or more means for breaking a portion of the palatal dilator having a second deformation criterion corresponding to the deformation and having a second deformation criterion greater than the first deformation criterion.

One of the methods described herein for loading and unloading a palatal dilator is to place one or more wearers on the wearer coupling area and lock the wearer to the palatal dilator to provide the palate dilator. It can be configured as a method of loading a palatal dilator, including fitting to the patient's teeth. The locking tool is automatically fitted by moving the mounting tool to the mounting tool coupling region, for example, by moving the release control unit to the indwelling unit, and the release control unit is urged (for example, a spring load). (Receiving), it can be extended to the fitting area and fitted with the indwelling part.

The palate of the first tooth fitting region, the second tooth fitting region, and the palate region between the first and second tooth fitting regions to which lateral force is applied between the first and second tooth fitting regions. The method of removing the palatal expansion shell device from the patient's teeth, which is included in the expansion shell device, is to insert the palatal expansion shell device into the first tooth by fitting and detaching the first locking tool from the first attachment of the patient's teeth. The first is to disengage the palatal expansion shell device from the second tooth fitting area by disengaging it from the mating area and disengaging the second locking tool from the second attachment of the patient's tooth. It may include disengaging the palatal dilated shell device from the patient's teeth by inserting and removing one or both of the first and second locking devices, and removing the palatal dilated shell device from the patient's oral cavity.

The engagement and disengagement of the palate expansion shell device from the first tooth fitting region may include manipulating the release control unit of the palate expansion shell to fit and disengage from the indwelling portion of the first fitting. For example, manipulating the release control unit of the palate expansion shell to fit and detach it from the indwelling portion of the first attachment may include sliding the latch from one groove or cavity in the indwelling portion. Manipulating the release control unit of the palate expansion shell to fit and detach it from the indwelling part of the first attachment includes fitting and detaching the protruding member from the indwelling part, and the indwelling part includes a bracket having a groove portion. ..

Insertion / detachment of the first locking tool from the first mounting device of the patient's tooth may include snapping the release control unit from the indwelling portion.

By operating the release control unit of the palate expansion shell to fit and detach it from the indwelling part of the first attachment, the latch, lever, switch, tab, arm, snap, bar, which fits with the indwelling part of the first attachment, Alternatively, it may include operating a release control unit that includes one of the pins.

The first locking tool and the second locking tool can be fitted and removed at the same time. Alternatively, the first locking tool and the second locking tool may be fitted and removed separately. The locking tool can be inserted and removed by hand (eg, by the finger of the patient or caregiver) and / or using a tool. In some variants, the fitting and detaching of the first locking tool from the first mounting tool of the patient's teeth involves retracting and disengaging the spring. The fitting and disengagement of the first locking tool from the first mounting tool of the patient's tooth may include applying a fitting and disengagement force smaller than the lateral force (for example, less than 30N, less than 20N, etc.) to the first locking tool.

The novel features of the instruments and methods described herein are presented in detail in the claims that follow. A deeper understanding of the features and advantages will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description, which presents exemplary embodiments in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings.
An example of a palatal dilator including an encapsulation fitting that aids retention in the oral cavity is illustrated. To Illustrated is an example of a palate dilator that can be part of the palate dilator series used to dilate a patient's palate. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the bottom side (opposite side of the tongue) of an example of a palatal dilator shown mounted on a model of the patient's upper dental arch. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of an example of a palate dilator, where dashed line 163 indicates the median line of the palate dilator. FIG. 1C is another rear perspective view of an example of a palatal dilator. FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of an example of the palate dilator of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E is a side perspective view of an example of a palate dilator. FIG. 1F is another rear perspective view of an example of a palatal dilator. FIG. 1G is a top perspective view of an example of a palate dilator, showing a tooth containing cavity and a palate facing top surface. To Patients include a wearing template (shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2A), a gradual palatal dilator series (shown in FIG. 2B), and a passive holder (eg, a retainer shown in FIG. 2C). An example of a system for expanding the palate is illustrated. An example of a method of treating a patient and dilating the patient's palate using the palate dilator described here is shown. An example of a method for forming a palatal dilator is shown. To FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a lateral force (arrow) that can be applied to a patient's palate to dilate the palate and isolate the palate midline suture (eg, midpalate suture, etc.). FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a series of palatal dilators configured to progressively expand the suture (eg, the dilator shown in FIG. 4B is, for example, the entire sequence of eight or more dilators. It does not necessarily represent three directly contiguous dilators (which may be an example taken from). An example of a palatal dilator in which a portion of the palatal region has been removed from the anterior region is illustrated, and similarly, other regions of the instrument, such as the posterior region, may be removed. Alternatively or additionally, any of these instruments may have holes cut out in other areas, including the central area. This example also shows a fracture area that extends along the median of the palatal dilator. Another example of a palatal dilator comprising a fractured area shown to extend along the occlusal surface of the first tooth fitting area is illustrated. The tensile force is also shown. Another example of a palatal dilator containing a fractured region is illustrated, where the fractured region is a non-linear but longitudinally extending line or groove on the occlusal side of the first tooth fitting region. Another example of a palatal dilator comprising a fractured region extending anteroposteriorly on the buccal side of the first tooth fitting region is illustrated. Another example of a palatal dilator comprising a fractured area extending anteroposteriorly at the border between the buccal and occlusal sides of the first tooth fitting area is illustrated. An example of a tooth fitting that can engage the palatal dilator in place is illustrated, in which four fittings (two on each side) secure each palatal dilator to the tooth during treatment. Can be used to. Detachable areas (eg, removal grips or tabs) and two or more that extend from the lateral edge (eg, buccal edge) to the occlusal surface and can be used to aid removal of the device from the subject's mouth. An example of a closure dilator including a lateral hinge region (eg, slot, excision, slit, flexure region, etc.) and a fracture region partially extending in the anterior-posterior direction on the buccal side of the tooth fitting region is illustrated. There is a gap in the palatal dilator to isolate the palatal dilator from the teeth and / or gingiva in a size and configuration such that the patient's nail and / or removal device is inserted and pulls the instrument from the tooth, including the tooth fitting. A cross section of a portion of a palatal dilator configured to include a detachable region formed on the lateral (eg, buccal) edge is illustrated. An example of a palate dilator having a desorption area on the buccal side of a palate dilation shell device is illustrated. In FIG. 7A, two desorption regions are shown, each containing a protruding fulcrum region. Another example of a palatal dilator having a buccal bottom edge region of a palatal dilatation shell configured as a detachable region is illustrated. Another example of a palate dilator having a bottom edge region configured as a detachable region configured to provide a handle on each side of the palate dilator is shown. The enlarged bottom view of the handle area of FIG. 7C is shown. The outline drawing which illustrates the operation of one of the attachment / detachment regions (handles) of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7C to 7D is shown. The enlarged top view of the handle area of FIG. 7C is shown. An example of attachment / detachment of a palatal dilator from the patient's upper dental arch using a removal tool is illustrated. The tool applies tensile force to break or bend the fractured area of the palate dilator shell device along the fractured area, as well as the palate, including the attachment and detachment of the palate dilator for one or more wearers of the patient's teeth. The extended shell device is fitted and removed from the patient's first or second tooth assembly. An example of a tool that can be used to remove a palatal dilator, including a proximal grip area and a distal palatal dilator fitting area, is illustrated. Another example of a removal tool configured to apply tensile force to remove the palatal dilator from the patient's dental arch is illustrated. In FIG. 10A, the removal tool is configured as a ring. The ring can be used with either hand (eg reversible). An enlarged view of the tool of FIG. 10A is shown. The operation of the tools of FIGS. 10A to 10B is illustrated. The tool is used as a finger rest to aid in the use of the fulcrum area, for example by applying tensile force by twisting or rotating to keep the ring stable when removing the palatal expansion device and the ring rotates around the finger. The outer surface includes a flat region 1009 which can prevent the above. To Another example of a tool for removing a palatal dilator by applying a tensile force is illustrated. In FIG. 11A, the tool is shown in front view. FIG. 11B shows a side view of the tool of 11A. 11C is an example of a method of applying a tensile force using the tools of FIGS. 11A-11B to remove the palatal dilator worn on the patient's upper arch. FIG. 11D shows another diagram of the tool used to remove the palatal dilator from the patient. Another example of a tool for removing a palatal dilator by applying a tensile force is illustrated. In FIG. 12, the tool includes a support arm and a tension arm operated by a control unit of the tool (eg, a twist handle in this example). To An example of a removal tool for applying a tensile force to remove a palatal dilator is illustrated. Each of these examples includes a support (eg, fulcrum) arm of a tool that is supported by a palatal dilator and can assist in the application of tensile (removal) forces. Another example of a removal tool for applying force to remove the palatal dilator described herein is illustrated. Here is another example of a removal tool for applying force to remove the palatal dilator described here. Another example of a removal tool for applying force to remove a palatal dilator, in FIG. 14C, the tool can be used on either the right or left side of the patient. To Placing the device in the patient's mouth with an upper dentition arch (Fig. 15A) and clenching the palatal dilator (Figs. 15B and 15C), in some cases fitting it into the tooth, including the fitting. An example of a method of inserting a palatal dilator 2100 into a patient's teeth, including and fixing, is illustrated. To By inserting the nail into the detachable area (FIG. 16A), pulling it from the tooth toward the cheek (FIG. 16B) to fit and detach it from the attachment, and pulling it down (FIG. 16C) to remove the instrument from the tooth. The removal of an example of a palatal dilator including a desorption area is illustrated. To Illustrated another variant of the tool example for removing a palatal dilator, configured to apply a force from the palatal area of the instrument to remove the palatal dilator from the patient's teeth. The tool applies a force to break or bend the palatal dilator shell device along the fracture area (eg, the palatal area of the palatal dilator) by the break area of the palatal dilator shell device to fit and detach the palatal dilator shell device from the patient's teeth. To Illustrates the behavior of another variant of a tool example for removing a palatal dilator, configured to remove a palatal dilator from a patient's teeth by applying force from the palatal area of the instrument. The tool applies a force to break or bend the palatal dilator shell device along the fracture area (eg, the palatal area of the palatal dilator) by the break area of the palatal dilator shell device to fit and detach the palatal dilator shell device from the patient's teeth. To An example of a palate dilation system with a locking tool for easy removal of the palate dilator from the teeth is illustrated. Illustrated is a palatal dilator with elastic hooks and removable parts for easy loading and unloading. Illustrated is a palatal dilator with an elastic locking tool that fits into a bracket. To Another example of a locking tool for a palatal dilator configured to releasably fit with a patient's tooth fitting is illustrated. Illustrated is a palatal dilator in which the top and bottom of the attachment have different hardnesses and angles and the retention and removal forces are designed separately to achieve the desired functionality and removal features. Illustrated is a palatal dilator with a ball socket type joint snap, with the fitting on the ball side and the dilator on the socket side with the flexible protrusion. A palatal dilator with a cylindrical mount is illustrated, the side of the dimA is the mount with snaps, and the dimB is the side of the dilator with the cylindrical slot. To Illustrated is a palatal dilator with protrusions for long-term snap fitting. To The palatal dilator for snap-on fitting is illustrated. Illustrated is a retractable pen mechanism that can be used to fit and remove the palatal dilator with the teeth. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional and side view of a palatal dilator fitted with a tooth, in which nuts and bolts with screws are used to fit or remove the palatal dilator.

The palatal dilators described herein (devices and systems including palatal dilators) are configured to dilate the patient's palate and are generally removed by the patient or the patient's caregivers (eg, parents, guardians, etc.). And / or configured to be inserted. A series of dilators are worn on the patient to dilate the patient's palate over time.

The various properties and properties of progressive palatal dilators are described here in general and with reference to specific examples. Any of these features and properties, including the placement of features, can be incorporated into the palatal dilator. These palatal dilators, which may be referred to interchangeably as palatal dilator shell devices, may be configured to apply force into the patient's mouth to dilate the patient's maxilla. Patients are such patients, especially (but not limited to) children aged 7 to 9 years after eruption of the first permanent molars. These instruments can be used to dilate the patient's palate between 4 and 12 mm or more.

Upon use, the palatal dilator series is adapted to be loaded and / or removed by the patient (or caregiver, eg parent) and fixedly attached to the patient's teeth with sufficient force to move the patient's palate. However, it can be removed without undue force or difficulty (eg, without the use of fingers and / or tools for removal). The instrument is attached to two or three or more of the patient's teeth on either side of the superior arch, eg, the last three teeth (eg, first permanent molars and first and second deciduous molars). Attached to). In general, the instruments described herein generate sufficient force to open the patient's sutures, eg between 8N and 120N (or greater than 8N, greater than 9N, greater than 10N, greater than 20N, greater than 30N). , Greater than 40N, greater than 50N, greater than 60N, etc.) is applied to either side of the upper palate and / or the lingual side of the tooth, but the force required for removal is substantially less.

In any of the instruments and methods described herein, the instrument is fixedly attached to the patient's teeth with or without connection to the attachment attached to the patient's teeth, but is still patient and / or caregiving. It may be configured to be easily removable by a person. Specifically, any of the palatal dilators described herein may include a fracture region configured to preferentially and controllably bend or break when a removal (tensile) force is applied. The tensile force can damage or bend the fractured area of the palatal dilated shell device along the fractured area and allow the palatal dilated shell device to be fitted and detached from the first or second assembly of the patient's teeth.

Any of the palatal dilators described herein may include a fitting that can be locked to the patient's tooth by fitting it to the patient's tooth fitting. In some variants, the palatal dilator mates with a fitting attached to the patient's teeth to prevent removal of the palatal dilator until the locking device is disengaged (eg, palatal dilator). It can be held on the lateral side such as the buccal side of the vessel. In some variants, the locking tool is fitted and detached by manually moving, bending, pulling, pushing, or displacementing the release control unit, or by manipulating it in some other way. The release control unit may be a latch, a lever, a switch, a tab, an arm, a snap, or the like. The locking tool and the release control unit may mechanically fit with each other and / or with the patient's single or multiple tooth fittings. Alternatively or additionally, the locking, disengaging, and / or fittings may be magnetically fitted to each other.

One of the instruments described herein is configured such that the upward convex surface of the palate region fits the patient's palate, including, for example, the pits, ridges, valleys, etc. present in the patient's particular anatomy. obtain. The upward convex surface may be adapted to the patient's palate, but may be configured to be isolated or offset from the palate, especially in the more central region (eg, opposite the palate median suture), for example 0.5 mm or more. In some variants, the device is offset from the patient's palate and the force can be applied primarily to the lingual side of the teeth (eg molars). Alternatively or additionally, the instrument may be configured to apply force to the lateral region of the palate above the molars. In this case, the upward convex surface of the palate region can be configured to have a negative offset, eg, press the palate when worn.

The palatal dilator described herein can be formed of a single monolithic material (eg, by additional technology, eg, 3D printing technology, etc.), or can be partially formed, for example, by laminating, thermosetting, and the like. Instruments (eg, devices, systems, etc.) can have uniform or variable thickness. For example, the palatal region may be thinner in the more anterior region (eg, the anterior half) as compared to the more posterior region (eg, posterior half). Alternatively, the posterior half of the device may be thinner than the anterior half. The posterior half may be curved inward (eg, towards the anterior region) or may include a resection region at the posterior end.

The shape of the appliance (eg, the dilator) and therefore the load applied by the appliance during wearing can be controlled and selected during the manufacturing process. The patient's upper jaw (eg, teeth, palate, gingiva) and, in some cases, the subject's It would be particularly advantageous to have a digital planning process that modifies the digital model with the lower jaw (eg, teeth and / or gingiva).

The palatal dilator described herein is the opposite of the patient's palate when the device is worn by the patient with at least a portion of the patient's maxillary teeth, in particular the tooth fitting area for mating the molars and / or premolars. May include an extending palatal region between tooth fitting regions configured to be adjacent in. For example, FIGS. 1 and 1A-1G show examples of palate dilators 100, 150 including a pair of tooth fitting regions 103, 103'on each side of the device connected by the palate region 105. The palatal dilator is one or more coupled with a pair of attachments (eg, attachment connectors) that are attached to the patient's teeth on each side of the device (the buccal side of the patient's teeth; only one pair is visible in FIG. 1). A mounting area (eg, mounting tool coupling area) 107 may also be included. The mounting connector, also referred to as a connector, pin, mounting tool, etc., can be secured to the tooth in a position that allows coupling (eg, removable coupling) of the dilator to the mounting area. The mounting connector may be joined (glued, etc.) to the teeth as part of the initial step prior to wearing the dilator series. FIG. 1 shows a concave bottom surface 108 of the palate region of the palate dilator. The opposite surface is a convex upper surface. FIG. 1 also illustrates an example of a fractured region 167 of a palatal dilator configured as a line extending from anterior to posterior on one occlusal side of the tooth fitting region 103 in this example. In FIG. 1, the fracture region extends as a line, but this region may have a suitable thickness and surround a region having a lower material strength than the adjacent surrounding region. Low strength can be achieved by using different materials and / or different thicknesses and / or by including gaps and openings. Other examples of fracture regions are presented below.

The tooth fitting area may be made of the same material as the palatal area or may contain different materials. With some modifications, the fracture region can be formed at the junction, such as between the palatal region and the occlusal region, between the occlusal region and the buccal region, and so on. The thickness of the tooth fitting area and the palate area may be different or the same. In particular, the palatal region is thicker than the tooth fitting region. The thickness of the tooth fitting area is thick on the lateral (eg, cheek and / or tongue) side of the device and thin (or removed) on all or part of the upper part of the tooth fitting area. The palatal region can have a non-uniform thickness. For example, the palatal dilator is thick near the midline of the device. Any of the palatal dilators may include ribs or other supports (eg, extending transversely between the tooth fitting areas and / or perpendicular to the tooth fitting area). These ribs can be formed of the same material as the rest of the palatal region (eg, in shape with a thick and / or cylindrical cross-sectional outline).

The medial (cavity) portion of the tooth fitting area generally coincides with the lateral contour of the patient's gingiva and directly abuts (or avoids) the gingiva and / or part of the gingiva. Is configured to apply. The upper surface of the palate area placed adjacent to the palate when worn by the patient can be a contour that fits the actual or predicted shape of the patient's palate. As mentioned above, all or most of the palate area is isolated or separated from the patient's palate when worn, which enhances comfort and minimizes interruptions in conversation.

In some variants, a portion of the palatal region extending between the bilateral tooth fitting regions on each side of the device (eg, a portion of the palatal region extending approximately z% of the distance between the tooth fitting regions). (Z is larger than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc.) is not curved but flat or linear, so it does not necessarily correspond to the contour of the patient's mouth. Not along. This portion can be one or more transverse ribs, struts, or supports, or a flat sheet. Such a flat or linear portion applies a large force. Alternatively or additionally, the palatal region (eg, one or more ribs, sheets, etc.) can be curved with an arch similar to the arch of the patient's palate, but has a much larger radius of curvature than the patient's palate (shallow). Appears as a depression).

Any of the palatal dilators described herein may include one or more mounting areas or sites (also referred to as mounting openings, mounting couplers, etc.) for coupling to the mounting connector of the patient's teeth. In particular, it may be beneficial to use one or more (eg, a pair) of mounting areas on each side of the device. In addition, the mounting site may preferably be the opening of the dilator. The opening structure (mounting site) of the orthodontic dilator interacts with the mounting device (wearing connector) placed on the tooth to improve the overall retention of the device, and in some cases the palate It can be used to generate advantageous force features for tooth alignment, including limiting or preventing tooth roll toward the cheek when expanded. Such features are particularly useful when included as part of a direct manufacturing (eg, 3D printing) device for rapid (eg, step 1) palatal dilation. In addition, the mounting connector is generally joined to one or more teeth and projects into the complementary opening or cavity of the dilator, but this configuration can be respected in some or all of these. For example, the protruding mounting connector can be part of an expander that can be inserted into an opening / cavity joined to the user's teeth. With some variants, 3D printers that print on a large number of materials (including high elasticity and / or low strength materials) print directly on the instruments described here, including fracture areas and / or locking tools. Can be used for.

Any suitable mounting area may be used, especially some suitable size and / or shape. As mentioned above, the mounting area may be an opening structure of the device that may include a force feature for tooth alignment to improve the retention of the device on the device. For example, the mounting area may include a circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular or other opening of the dilator (eg, beside the dilator's tooth recovery area, eg, buccal side). The mounting area can be adjusted for the mounting connector. In general, the mounting connector may be configured to engage the mounting area in one or a particular orientation.

The exemplary palatal dilator 150 of FIGS. 1A-1G is shown from various perspectives. This example may also include a fracture region (invisible in FIGS. 1A-1G) that allows preferential fracture and / or bending. These or similar palatal dilators may include any of the features described herein separately or collectively. In this example, the palatal dilator is configured to be removable, eg patient removable, which can be made of a suitable material, including, for example, a biocompatible nylon material (with or without the use of a removal tool). A series of palate dilators are used and can be done in incremental steps to dilate the patient's palate. In particular, the methods and instruments described herein may be configured for the treatment of children and adolescents. The palatal dilator may be configured such that the interpalatal arch region 153 balances load flexure for patient comfort. For example, the lateral force 463 may be distributed between the three posterior teeth 466 on each side, or laterally to the palate, as shown in FIG. 4A. The thickness of the occlusal surface 154 can be optimized for structural integrity and patient comfort. The palatal dilator may include multiple wearers (invisible in FIGS. 1A-1G). The fitting may be configured to allow easy insertion and retention of the device. As described in more detail here, the palatal dilator may also include one or more removal features that allow the patient to remove the device after wearing.

As described above and in more detail below, the force applied by the instrument to dilate the patient's palate is applied to the teeth (eg, the lingual side of the D, E, 6 teeth) and / or the palate, especially the lateral side of the palate. , Above the gingival line but below the midline, can be applied uniformly in the anterior-posterior direction (generally symmetrically on each side of the midline) or in different regions in the anterior-posterior direction.

In any of the palatal dilators described herein, an opening or hole formed in the palatal dilator may be included. For example, in some variants, the area of the palatal dilator that otherwise covers the occlusal surface of the patient's teeth may be removed. For example, it allows for a more natural meshing. In some variants, the anterior (anterior region) of the palatal region extending between both sides of the superior arch (eg, the bilateral tooth containment of the instrument) is removed or curved inward so as not to interfere with conversation. .. Alternatively or additionally, the posterior (eg posterior) end of the palatal dilator is removed or curved anteriorly to minimize or reduce the induction of the laryngeal reflex. In any of these variants, the thickness can also be adjusted additionally or alternatively. For example, the thickness of the posterior region of the palatal dilator (eg, 10%, 20%, 30% of the posterior, etc.) may be thinner than the more anterior region.

The instruments described here are the attachment and the attachment template for placing the attachment on the teeth, the palate dilator series that gradually expands the patient's palate, and the passive that is worn after the series expands the palate. It can be configured as a system that includes a holder (eg, a retainer). For example, FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate these components of such a system. FIG. 2A shows an example of a mounting template 251 in which a plurality of fittings (not shown in FIG. 2A) are mounted on the patient's teeth at predetermined locations that may correspond to the locations of the respective containment sites of the palatal dilator. obtain. FIG. 2B shows an example of a series of palate dilators that gradually widen (eg, widen) and gradually dilate the patient's palate. For example, the upper palate dilator 258 is narrower than the intermediate palate dilator 259 and the final palate dilator 260. FIG. 2C illustrates an example of a passive holder (eg, retainer) 261 that can be worn after the series has completed dilation of the patient's palate. In this example, the palatal dilator retainer 261 is similar or identical to the final palate dilator as a sequence, but may have different configurations.

Any of the examples described herein may include, for example, a detachable area (eg, removal tab, slot, etc.) that assists in instrument removal, palatal dilator identification marking (eg, dilator identification number), etc., for example, a gingival margin gap. And / or may be configured to be included in the extension.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a wearer placed on a patient's tooth. FIG. 5 shows two fittings 551,552, one in the E (center of crown) molar and the other in the 6 (midline apex) molar region. The fitting can be attached to the teeth. In this example, four fittings are used, two on each side. The attachment may fit into the attachment area of the palatal dilator (see, eg, attachment area 498 in FIGS. 4D-4G).

In the exemplary active palatal dilator illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 4B, the dilator may be configured for daily wear (eg, 23-24 hours of wear). In these examples, the palatal dilator is configured to provide a predetermined amount of total arch width manipulation per stage (eg, approximately 0.15 mm, 0.20 mm, 0.25 mm, etc.) similar to a screw-operated dilator. obtain. Each dilator in the series may include a fracture region 267,267', 267 "extending in the anterior-posterior direction, although each of the different palatal dilators in the series contains a fracture region, as described above. The location of the fracture area may be different or the same between different palatal dilators in the series. A holder or retainer (eg, FIG. 2C) may be provided to the patient to be worn after the procedure is completed. In the holder, eg, a passive palatal dilator, includes a fracture region that is configured to bend or bend along the fracture region to fit and detach the palatal expansion shell device from the patient's teeth. In deformation, the holder does not include a fracture area. Generally, each of the palatal dilator series can be worn for up to 2 weeks. Similarly, the holder can be worn to hold the device for up to 2 weeks.

4C-4G illustrate examples of palatal dilators that include one or more fracture regions. In FIG. 4C, the palatal dilator includes a fracture region 467 extending from anterior (eg, anterior to the patient's mouth when worn) to posterior (eg, posterior to the patient's mouth when worn). The fracture area may be visible or invisible in the instrument. In some deformations, the fracture area is continuous or nearly continuous (eg> 60%,> 65>,> 70%,> 75%,> 80%,> 85%,> 90%, etc.). A low-strength line, or one of the tooth fitting areas along the anterior-posterior length (eg, along one or more of the occlusal, buccal, and lingual sides of the tooth fitting area, or in between). And / or at a perforation line that includes a discontinuous region of a low-strength pocket that extends to at least a portion of the length of the instrument, such as in the palatal region (eg, between the palatal region and the tooth fitting region). be. In FIG. 4C, the fracture region extends downward at the median line of the palatal region but at the median line of the instrument.

In general, the methods and instruments described herein can avoid applying a removing force to the fitting attached to the patient's teeth, as this force damages and / or removes the fitting from the patient's teeth. This is because it interferes with the removal effort. In general, the orthotic device itself is fairly rigid and withstands bending, so bending can occur preferentially in the fracture region. A fracture region (eg, a flexure region) is a region above the orthotic device or, generally the orthotic device, or the orthotic device that bends in the pre-designed direction to fit and detach the orthotic device from the orthotic device when a force (eg, tensile force) is applied. It can be formed on the orthotic device in a size and location that causes it to occur.

In addition to bending or breaking at a given location and / or at a given force profile, the fracture area described herein may be configured to provide a spring action that aids in fastening the tooth when the orthotic device is attached to the tooth. For removal, controlled damage can be a technique that facilitates removal. Controlled damage in the fracture area can be particularly useful for disposable, eg, single-use or "single-use" orthotic devices. When a given force is applied, the orthotic device is damaged in a manner that facilitates removal without the need for additional force. Any of these instruments may be configured such that the damaged edge is non-traumatic (eg, not sharp) and / or does not form a sharp edge and / or avoids small pieces. Can be configured to be cleanly damaged. In some variants, the layer of film or coating on the orthotic device avoids the diffusion of debris (or debris or particles) into the mouth. The fracture region can be configured as a fracture feature that causes the instrument to be damaged by a relatively low force applied at a particular location and / or orientation (eg, a tensile force applied from the buccal side). The rupture region is configured as a rupture feature, where a low force threshold causes the device to bend at the rupture region, but a high force can be combined with the bending feature to flex the device in a controllable manner. In some deformations, one or more fracture regions may include a fractured portion and a bent portion to prevent the pieces from being released in the mouth. For example, almost half of the fractured area may be damaged while the rest may simply bend and release the device as a single unit (although it is damaged).

The fracture region 467 shown in FIG. 4C is shown as a broken line extending over the entire anterior-posterior length of the palatal dilator. The posterior region of the palatal dilator 457 includes an excision region 455 that enhances patient comfort when wearing the device, adding space for the tongue behind the mouth (eg, enhancing comfort, preventing conversational problems). ,others). The fractured region of this example may include a compartment or pocket having a weaker material strength than the adjacent regions on each side of the fractured region, eg, containing voids (eg, low density regions including air pockets in some variants). It can be an area that is perforated by. The fracture region can be formed of the same material as the adjacent region. The fractured area can be formed to include structural features such as narrow cut areas, grooves and the like. In some deformations, the fracture region is formed of a different material than the region adjacent to the fracture region. For example, fracture regions can be formed with materials that are more flexible and / or have a lower density than adjacent regions.

FIG. 4D illustrates another example 467'of the fracture region of the palatal dilator. In FIG. 4D, the fracture region 467'is formed as a groove on the occlusal side 471 of the tooth fitting region of the palatal dilator. This groove can be a locally thin region of the outer shape of the palatal dilator. The thin region can have an outer shape that is steeply shaped to form the groove in the figure (eg, has a step that includes a round step). The fractured region therefore acts as a hinge region and the palatal dilator can fracture or bend along it when a tensile force 480 is applied to the palatal dilator, as described in more detail below. In FIG. 4D, the fracture region extends over the entire anterior-posterior length. However, in other variants the fracture region can only partially extend to the palatal dilator.

FIG. 4E illustrates another example of a palatal dilator showing a fractured area 467 "extending anterior-posteriorly at the occlusal portion 497 of the first tooth fitting region. In this example, the fractured region extends as a straight line. Not present, extending as a sine wave, eg in a zigzag pattern. Tension force is applied to the buccal bottom edge of the first tooth fitting region 480 (and / or to the desorption region as illustrated below). The palatal dilator can be detached from the tooth, including detaching one or more attachment areas 498 of the palatal dilator from the attachment attached to the patient's tooth. The fracture area of this example is sufficient. It can be a fragile area that breaks when a strong tensile force is applied.

FIG. 4F shows another example of a palatal dilator 457 with a fracture region 467 ″ ′ that can bend or break when an appropriate tensile force 480 ”is applied. In FIG. 4F, the fracture region is arranged on the buccal side 499 of the first tooth fitting region and extends in the anterior-posterior direction. The instrument also includes a pair of attachment areas 498 configured to hold the attachment attached to the patient's teeth. The mounting area 498 of this example can be a cavity formed on the buccal side of the tooth fitting area where the device can be held when the device is worn on the tooth. The fracture area extends above the mounting area. In this example, pull the buccal side laterally outward and / or downward (eg, towards the mandible when the instrument is worn on the upper arch) (eg from the buccal bottom edge or from the buccal desorption area). The applied tensile force 480 "bends or flexes the fractured area like a hinge so that at least a portion of the buccal side is fitted and detached from the tooth containing the fitting and laterally applied by the palate area to expand the palate. The device can be removed from the cheek, even though the force is otherwise locking the device in place.

Another example of a palatal dilator 457 with a fracture region 467 "" is shown in FIG. 4G. The fracture region 467 "'can bend or break when an appropriate tensile force of 480" is applied. In FIG. 4F, the fracture region is arranged at the transition portion between the occlusal side 497 and the buccal side 499 of the first tooth fitting region and extends in the anteroposterior direction. In this example, pull the buccal side laterally outward and / or downward (eg, towards the mandible when the instrument is worn on the upper arch) (eg from the buccal bottom edge or from the buccal desorption area). Since the tensile force 480 "'applied so as to bend or bend the fractured region, the buccal side is fitted and removed from the tooth including the attachment, and the instrument is removed from the tooth.

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary method for providing a patient with a treatment plan that dilates the patient's palate. The first step illustrated may include identifying a patient in need of the palatal dilator 351. The patient can be a child, teenager, adolescent, or adult. Once the patient is identified, the palate, teeth, and dental arch containing at least a portion of the gingiva are optionally digitally scanned (353). Alternatively, the superior dental arch may be modeled manually (eg, using dental impressions). When a scan is used, a suitable scanner may be used that includes, but is not limited to, an intraoral scanner capable of directly scanning the teeth, gingiva and palate.

Once the upper arch is modeled (eg, scan, manual modeling, etc.), the palatal dilator is designed (355). In general, these designs may be configured to include any of the features described herein, in particular the fracture region (356). The design process may include planning the final position of the teeth and / or palate and designing an intermediate palate dilator to reach the final configuration. The design process may include providing a portion of the tooth fitting to move the tooth along with providing a secure fit and / or prevent substantial tilting of the tooth during expansion. The design process can be performed digitally using a digital model of the patient's upper arch. The design process can be automated or semi-automated.

When developing a treatment plan that includes the addition of a fracture region, the device (356) may be configured to include the fracture region as described above. The fracture area may be placed in different areas of the instrument to avoid dilating the subject's palate and / or interfering with the forces applied to move the subject's teeth. For example, in some instruments in the series, the fracture area is located in the first (eg, left) tooth fitting area, whereas in some palatal dilators, the second (eg, right) tooth fitting area and / Alternatively, a fracture region may be provided in the palatal region and / or between the palatal region and the tooth fitting region. The palatal dilator is optionally configured to include one or more mounting areas, and the design process may include the location and size of the detachable area (including the fulcrum portion if included). Each patient may require a custom design of equipment features such as fracture and / or desorption areas. The shape, size, and / or location of the tooth attachment is configured to best correspond to the patient's unique dentition and features, and thus the fracture area, attachment area, detachment area, and / or base (fulcrum). Detachment features such as regions can be adapted as appropriate.

Once designed, a series of palatal dilators can be produced (357) and at the same time templates can be produced. Appropriate manufacturing techniques can be used. For example, the method may include 3D printing and / or stacking. Examples of these methods are presented below. The manufactured palatal dilator is then sent to the patient and / or a dentist who may direct the patient in loading and unloading the palatal dilator (359). The treatment is optionally monitored (361) and the palatal dilator, including performing regular (eg, daily, weekly, biweekly, etc.) scans of all or part of the superior arch (palate, teeth, gingiva, etc.). To track. For example, redesigning the palatal dilator series and / or remanufacturing the palatal dilator may adjust the treatment to increase or decrease the rate of dilation. When the palatal dilator sequence is worn, the patient wears a holder (eg, a retainer) that prevents the palate from reversing, and the holder can be worn until the cranial suture is healed. The holder may be provided to the patient with the palatal dilator series or may (optionally) be delivered during or shortly after treatment (363).

FIG. 3B shows a method example 300B for forming a palatal dilator. Method 300B is shown in conjunction with other structures described herein, including, but not limited to, the structures described in the context of other figures. In some embodiments, method 300B is performed by a computing device having memory and one or more processors. Memory can store computer program instructions. One or more processors may execute computer program instructions to perform one or more operations of method 300B.

In motion 370, a virtual representation of the palatal surface can be collected. The palatal surface can have a convex geometry of size and shape that engages the patient's palate. In some embodiments, the size, shape, and / or other characteristics of the palatal surface are impressions of the patient's palate, scans of the patient's palate, and / or incrementality of the patient's palate according to the orthodontic treatment regimen. Formed using estimation. In various embodiments, the size, shape, and / or other properties of the palatal surface are formed using a visualization tool that displays a 3D virtual drawing of the palatal surface as part of a 3D model of the palatal dilator. Will be done.

In motion 372, a virtual representation of the tongue surface opposite the palatal surface can be collected. As used herein, the "tongue surface" of a palatal dilator may refer to a portion of the palatal dilator that faces the patient's tongue when inserted into the patient's palate. The tongue surface of the palatal dilator does not have to correspond to the tongue surface of the teeth. The tongue surface of the palatal dilator has a concave geometry, providing a gap between the palatal dilator and the patient's tongue. In various embodiments, the size, shape, thickness, contour, etc. of the tongue surface, according to the orthodontic treatment regimen, the patient's mouth and / or tooth impression, the patient's mouth and / or tooth scan, and / Alternatively, it is formed using an incremental estimation of the patient's mouth and / or teeth. In various embodiments, the size, shape and / or other properties of the tongue surface are formed using a visualization tool that displays a 3D virtual drawing of the tongue surface as part of a 3D model of the palatal dilator. ..

In motion 374, a virtual representation of a plurality of sidewalls surrounding at least a portion of the palatal and lingual surfaces can be collected. In operation 376, a virtual representation of the body can be collected. The hypothetical representation of the sidewalls and / or body is also an impression of the patient's mouth and / or teeth, a scan of the patient's mouth and / or teeth, and / or tapering of the patient's mouth and / or teeth according to the orthodontic treatment plan. It can be formed using target estimation. Virtual representations of the sidewalls and / or body can be formed using visualization tools that display 3D virtual drawings of these structures as part of a 3D model of the palatal dilator. In some embodiments, the virtual representation of the sidewall and / or body can be a virtual representation of the resulting force when the resulting palatal dilator is inserted into the patient's mouth. These forces can be modeled by the force systems and / or other virtual systems described herein.

In operation 378, a virtual representation of one or more fracture regions may be collected. In various embodiments, fracture areas may be identified in the virtual representation of the body of the palatal dilator. As an example, the designer and / or the automated agent may identify a specific area of the body that can absorb these removal forces and deform the palatal dilator when the removal forces are applied. Designers and / or automated agents may also identify one or more fulcrums that direct removal forces to various fracture areas. Designers and / or automated agents may identify and / or collect the materials, shapes, etc. that form the basis of the fracture area. In some embodiments, the fracture area is modeled in a 3D virtual representation of the body of the palatal dilator.

Operation 380 may provide instructions for manufacturing a palatal dilator using a virtual display of the palatal surface. In various embodiments, a computer-aided design (CAD) file or model is stored, streamed, etc. into a system capable of manufacturing a palatal dilator. In operation 382, the palatal dilator can be formed by three-dimensional (3D) printing to make the palatal dilator with instructions. More specifically, 3D printers can use CAD files or models to create various features of the palatal dilator that can be removed from the patient's mouth.

As mentioned above, any of these methods and instruments may include a palatal dilator with one or more removal / release features that include a fracture area. 6A-6B illustrate an example of a palatal dilator with one or more removal / release features that allows the patient to manually attach and detach the palatal dilator from the teeth when loaded. In FIG. 6A, the palatal dilator includes both a detachable region (configured as a removal tab 751) and a fracture region 767. The detachable area of this example is a tab or protrusion extending laterally (cheek) lateral bottom (eg, bottom) or near the palatal dilator. The detachable region 751 may include a slot or opening into which the patient's nail and / or removal tool is inserted that isolates the buccal side of the palatal dilator and pulls it away from the teeth so that the palatal dilator wearer can be fitted and removed. Then the device is pulled away from the teeth.

In FIG. 6A, the design also includes a pair (s) of slits, slots, excision areas, etc. extending from the buccal bottom edge towards the fracture area 767 (one or more may be used), etc. 753, 753'. These slots, slits, and the like can be regions that can be isolated from the palatal dilator when a tensile force that bends or breaks the fractured region of the palatal dilator is applied. This allows the attachment to be detached from the patient's teeth so that the attachment can be removed. One or more slits 753, 753'outside the mounting cavity of the device allow a portion of the palatal dilator (eg, a buccal portion) to be removed or flexed from the teeth to initiate the inset process. do.

FIG. 6B shows the outline of the region between the slits 753, 753'and the slight gap 780 between the gingiva and the buccal bottom edge of the instrument. This gap is small enough to minimize food contamination by the device, but can act as a desorption site to prevent gingival irritation and / or apply tensile force to remove the device. Large enough. The outline of FIG. 6B shows the patient's tooth fitting 752 within the mounting area (eg, cavity) 798 of the palatal expansion shell device.

The design (size, shape, protrusion, location) of the tooth and / or instrument fitting may be configured to have high retention while assisting insertion. Similarly, the desorption (release) feature may be configured to allow retention until the release is manually performed by the patient.

In general, any of the shell instruments described herein may include a fracture region configured as a hinge region. The fracture area may be disposed on the instrument in front of the occlusal surface but above the attachment area (if present) that is attached to one or more tooth attachments. The fractured area can be damaged or bent to allow the instrument to fit in and out of the tooth. For example, a hinge design with a finger access may be included to allow the device to be fitted and detached from the retention fixture for easy removal.

In some modifications, the release mechanism may include a locking tool or other area that requires an operation (eg, by deformation, twist, etc.) before it can be released. For example, the palatal dilator is twisted or deformed (eg, by first biting the palatal dilator) before pulling the release portion of the palatal dilator (eg, using a nail), and the palatal dilator is also bitten. Releases the matcher when releasing. Therefore, when another part of the device is modified or deformed, it begins to fit and detach the device from the retention fixture.

7A and 7B illustrate examples of desorption areas that can be used with tools and / or the nails of the user or patient. In FIG. 7A, two desorption regions 851,851'are shown on the buccal side of one of the tooth fitting regions of the appliance worn on the tooth. In FIG. 7A, the device also includes a pair of fitting areas 898, 898'configured to fit a fitting attached to the patient's teeth. In FIG. 7A, the detachable area is configured as an upward (eg, opposite to the occlusal surface of the patient's teeth when worn) pocket or tab. Removal of the protruding area of the device installed downward (eg, towards the lateral occlusal surface of the palatal dilator when worn) that may fit with one or both of these detachable areas, as described in more detail later. It can act as the base or fulcrum of the tool. In FIG. 7A, the base or fulcrum region may be on the outer surface of the mounting region or may be a region offset downward from the mounting region to the occlusal side of the instrument.

In FIG. 7B, the buccal bottom edge of the instrument is configured as a detachable region forming an upward pocket that can be fitted with the detachable / removed tool (and / or claw). Thus, any of the instruments described herein may include a release portion (eg, a detachable area) formed at least in part by a lip or ledge that forms a finger gap that can be manipulated by a patient's finger (eg, a nail). In some variants as shown in FIG. 7B, a gap can be formed as the buccal edge of the outward extension of the instrument. In FIG. 6B, the gap 780 or isolation between the palatal dilator and the gingiva is along all or part of the bottom of the palatal dilator and the patient's finger / nail or desorption (eg removal) tool is the palatal dilator. It can be sized so that it can be fitted with and pulled from the palate. At the buccal bottom edge of the palatal dilator, the palatal dilator may include an extension 759. The extension may be specifically designed to leave a gap between the palatal dilator and the gingiva, eg, up to the gingival line 761. The extension of the cheek segment below the gingival line by the extension may provide good removal, as well as isolation of the gingiva from the palatal dilator.

7C-7F illustrate another example of a palatal dilator 780 with one or more desorption areas 788,788'that can be used with tools and / or the user's or patient's nails. In FIG. 7C, the two desorption areas are shown on the buccal side of the appliance worn on the tooth. The device may also include one or more (including one or more) fitting areas that may be configured to fit with a fitting attached to the patient's teeth. In FIG. 7C, the detachable region is configured as a handle region offset from the bottom (gingival) edge of the palatal dilator. As noted in the outline shown in FIG. 6B, the handle or desorption area is from the cavity (perpendicular to the buccal side of the tooth) that holds the wearer when the device is worn by the patient. Can be offset. This outward offset provides a reasonable angle for fitting and removing the attachment from the palatal dilator.

7D and 7F show examples of the lower side (bottom) and upper side (top) of the handle portion, which is also referred to here as a detachable region. The handle portion (eg, handle, handle features, desorption area, etc.) can be a small tab of the palatal dilator designed to facilitate the removal process for the parent / patient. Unnecessary application to the retention wearer during device removal by providing a place to push with a finger or thumb to initiate the rotational movement required to insert and remove the device from the retention wearer system (attachment not shown). This feature can also be configured to reduce shear forces. For example, in FIG. 7E, the user (patient, caregiver, etc.) applies a force to the upper surface of the handle / detachable region, and a torsional moment is generated in the handle / detachable region as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7E. As a result, the palatal dilator is isolated from the wearer and hence the patient's teeth. Detachable features (eg, handles) shown in FIGS. 7C-7F are longer than the variants exemplified above and extend from one end of the molar / premolar to the other end along the lateral length of the teeth in this region. do. The length and extent (protrusion) of the handle area shown can be customized to the length of the user's teeth and / or the size of the oral cavity. In general, the handle area of this example extends outward from the buccal side between 0.5 and 10 mm (eg, between about 0.5 and 5 mm, between about 0.5 and 4 mm, etc.). The length of the handle / detach feature depends, for example, on the spacing between the patient's molars. Therefore, this feature (detachable feature and component component) can be customized for each patient. It may be disposed on one or both sides of the palatal dilator, generally over the distance between the retention wearers. The handle (eg, detachable feature) may also rule out the need to have a nail or another tool of ideal size / strength to easily remove the palatal dilator. These handle / detachment features are also customized and concealed, for example, based on the space in the user's oral cavity.

In general, the handle / detachment feature is configured to prevent this / from protruding at a distance shorter (eg 1-3 mm, eg 2-3 mm, 1-2 mm, etc.) than the distance offset from the buccal surface of the gum in the direction of the gums. Can be done.

In FIG. 6B, the minimum gap of the soft palate (eg, the midline region) is preferably ~ 0.5 mm (eg, between 0.01 mm and 1 mm, between 0.1 mm and 0.75 mm, etc.) to prevent any contact. Can be. Large gaps result in food trapping. The gap between the palate surface of the cross-palate segment and the palate can be controllable across the palate. The cheek segment extends below the gingival line. As described above, the device trim line may extend 1-3 mm below the gingival line in order to provide sufficient mechanical advantage (or moment) for ease of removal. As shown in FIG. 6B, a gap of 0.25 to 1 mm between the extension and the gingiva is provided to facilitate the patient / parental finger / nail hook for removal. obtain.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the removal tool 844 and the removal of the palatal dilator 857 worn on the patient's upper arch. In FIG. 8, the tool includes a hook and an elongated arm. A portion of the tool abuts on the fulcrum region (eg, the base region) and applies a tensile force of 853 to enable the tool lever action to detach the instrument from the patient. This tensile force bends or damages the fracture region (not visible in FIG. 8). FIGS. 9-14 show alternative examples of desorption tools (removal tools) that can be used.

The device for removing the dental instrument, especially the palatal dilator, must be rigid and leveraging in a simple manner and sufficient to apply the desired tensile force without damaging the patient. For example, some devices require sufficient force to be applied to the arch and palate during normal wearing of the device. This force is greater than about 50 Newtons (N). As a result, the removing force (tensile force) is considerable, otherwise it is difficult to remove the orthotic device. As mentioned above, the instruments described herein may address these issues by facilitating the removal of the orthotic device, for example by including one or more fracture areas that improve flexion and controlled fracture. The removal tools described here can also address this need.

Any of the instruments described herein may be configured to be connected to one or more specialized tools or human fingers. Optionally, the connection between the removal tool and the device creates a force system that allows removal of the device with minimal force by directing all force to the bending of the fracture area in the specified direction.

In FIGS. 9-14C, the removal tool (also referred to as a desorption tool) may include a hook area that can be inserted into a pocket, tab, latch, etc. of the desorption area and / or can be inserted between the tooth and the orthotic device. When a force is applied by the tool, the tensile force can be oriented such that the fractured area is flexed and / or damaged with minimal effort to allow the fitting to be fitted and detached from the fitting (eg, palatal dilator).

For example, FIG. 9 shows an example of the removal tool 1504. An example of this removal tool is metal (eg, stainless steel), which may have a shape for easy access to the fit-in / out area (eg, gap) of the palatal dilator. As shown in FIG. 9, one end 1507 may be configured to enter the gap and apply a tensile force. The instrument may also include a grip area 1509 that allows easy control of the tool. In general, the detachable area (or removal grip, etc.) may be configured for use with a tool such as the removal tool shown in FIG.

10A-10C show another example of a removal tool configured as a ring 1003 with a hook 1005 capable of mating with a detachable region 1066 of an instrument such as a palatal dilator. With this modification, the desorption or removal tool can be worn on the user's finger 1011. The tool may also include an outer region 1009 configured to stabilize the ring and prevent it from rotating around the user's finger when a force is applied. In FIGS. 10B-10C, the stabilized outer region 1009 is configured as a flat or concave region of the outer ring surface that may be held by another finger or abutted by an adjacent finger. One area of the tool may also be configured to act as a fulcrum 1013 for the force to be applied (to the orthotic device, eg, the palatal dilator) when manipulating the tool to remove the orthotic device. This fulcrum region can be a protrusion, an extension, or a base. FIG. 10C shows the operation of the tool by applying a tensile force to the orthotic device to remove the orthotic device from the patient's teeth.

11A-11D illustrate another example of a removal tool (eg, a detachable tool). The attachment / detachment tool may include a curved portion 1107 of an elongated arm (handle) region to avoid contact with the patient's face when operating the tool. The distal end of the tool is hook-shaped or curved to fit into the detachable area (including the buccal pocket and / or bottom edge of the device). In this example, the hook-shaped distal end region 1103 is on a plane that is angled with respect to the plane of the curved portion 1107. In FIGS. 11A-11D, the angle is approximately 90 degrees, but can be +/- 60 degrees (eg, an angle between 30 and 150 degrees) from this angle. FIGS. 11C to 11D illustrate the operation of an instrument that applies a tensile force to an orthotic device worn on the mouth. In FIG. 11C, the distal end is also partially in the fulcrum region of the orthotic device to which the tensile force is applied so that the force is laterally outward and downward (eg, including both lateral outward and downward vector components). positioned. The application of tensile force can bend or damage the fractured area of the orthotic device, as described above.

The removal tool may be configured to be operated by a control unit. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a conceptual model of a removal tool (eg, a fitting / removing tool) that includes a control unit for applying a tensile force. In FIG. 12, the orthotic device includes a hook-shaped distal end portion 1205. The hook-shaped distal end may fit into the attachment / detachment area of the device (eg, an upward pocket) 1266. The hook-shaped distal end is at the end of the elongated support arm 1206. The tool of FIG. 12 also includes a second support arm 1207 that acts as a brace or lever arm with respect to the fulcrum region 1213 of the device. In this example, the first elongated support arm 1206 and hook 1215 are coupled to a tool control unit (shown as a twist handle) 1219. During operation, the control unit pulls the hook laterally outward and downward (pressing the fulcrum region) to fit and detach the fitting and / or to bend or damage the fractured region of the fitting.

13A-13G illustrate other examples and variants of removal tools (eg, desorption tools). Each of these examples includes a handle portion 1318 that can be held by the user and a distal end having a fitting (hook) region 1305 that fits the device, for example in the fitting area of the device. Each of these instruments includes a hook area with a fulcrum area 1311 for easy fit and fit. The variants shown in FIGS. 13A-13G have different spacing between the hook and the fulcrum region, some with different handle configurations. FIG. 14A shows another example of a removal tool having a hook 1405, a fulcrum region 1411 and a handle portion 1418.

14A and 14C illustrate two additional removal tools (eg, desorption tools) that can be operated as described herein. For example, in FIG. 14A, the detachable tool is inserted so as to be to the left of the patient and can be twisted clockwise by the user (indicated by arrow 1419 in FIG. 14B) (1453). When twisted in this way, the hook end portion 1455 fits into and / or under the gingival ledge formed as part of the palatal dilator. The end of the device opposite the hook 1455 is a cantilever area 1457 that can press the palatal dilator in the area opposite the wearer engagement zone. The exemplary tool shown in FIG. 14C can be used on a patient in either orientation without disturbing the patient. For example, in FIG. 14C, the tool shown has two hook end portions 1455,1455', and the device is inserted and used on either the left or right side of the patient to insert and remove the palatal dilator.

Upon use, any of the instruments described herein may be inserted by the patient and / or by a dental professional. For example, the patient may be provided with instructions for inserting a palatal dilator, including initial tooth brushing and flossing. The patient can also confirm that it is the correct device (eg by reading the markings on the palatal dilator). The palatal dilator can then be cleaned (eg with a soft toothbrush, water, a small amount of toothpaste) and washed (eg with cold tap water). Then, as shown in FIG. 15A, the device 2100 is inserted into the mouth and, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the palatal dilator is first fully fitted to one side of the dilator and then fully fitted. Loaded into the tooth on the other side. The patient then clenches to fully fit the device.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, the patient (or patient caregiving, relatives, etc.) may remove the device. To remove the device, the patient (or caregiver) may insert a claw 2203 or removal tool inside the desorption area. The detachable area may be on the buccal side of the instrument and / or a gap at the buccal bottom edge of the instrument. Then, as shown in FIG. 16B, a tensile force is applied to pull laterally outward and downward (eg, towards the mandible) from at least one or more fittings 2205 on one side to the fitting (eg, palatal dilator). The 2200 is fitted and removed. As mentioned above, this can be achieved by bending or damaging the orthotic device along one or more fracture areas. The orthotic device is then pulled down from the teeth, as shown in FIG. 16C. Once removed, the palatal dilator is cleaned and / or stored or discarded, for example, when moving to the next treatment phase.

17A-17B and 18A-18B illustrate another example of a detachable tool. The tools shown in FIGS. 17A-17B and 18A-18B are configured to remove the instrument by applying laterally inward forces to the palate region of the palatal dilator. For example, FIG. 17A shows a desorption tool (eg, a removal tool) prior to mating with the desorption region of the outward palate region of the palate dilator. In FIG. 17A, the tool (up arm distance _{d a} between each other) 'includes a fitting area at the distal end of the device (e.g., hooks) 1705,1705' compressed handle 1706,1706 air The distance d _h between them is getting shorter.

When compressed, the fitting area of the tool can be reliably inserted into the pair of detachable areas of the palatal dilator 1709. The fitting area can then be fitted within the attachment / detachment area of the orthotic device as the handles are then pulled apart from each other (or released to separate them by urgency such as a spring), as shown in FIG. 17B. Upon mating, a tool arm extending the mating area to the handle allows force to be applied and laterally inward forces to compress the palatal area. The applied force F may include vertical and horizontal components depending on the coupling between the device and the tool. _{For example, the applied force F includes a component force F 2} that adds a moment to the occlusal area, while a second component force F ₁ can pull the device down (eg, towards the opposite jaw). The force between the left side of the hook and the slot can be distributed (as opposed to one point concentration). The angle of the slot can be optimized to obtain the optimum removal process.

With some deformations, the tool can be reliably fitted to the device so that the handle is re-approached to allow its compression, as opposed to the lateral outward force applied by the device. If a fracture area is present in the device (eg, between attachment sites), the device bends or breaks at the fracture area, facilitating removal of the device. 18A and 18B illustrate an example having this configuration.

In FIG. 18A, the fitting area at the distal end of the device includes a hook configured to bend horizontally and / or inward so that compressive forces can be applied to the palatal dilator. By applying a certain amount of compressive (laterally inward) force to the orthotic device, eg, the palatal area of the orthotic device, the orthotic device may allow the device to be fitted and detached from the teeth. The compressive force F _c generally causes the device to bend or break (eg, in the fracture area) while leaving the rest fitted to the device to release the device from the patient's teeth. Force is applied as shown in FIG. 18B by bending or twisting the arms relative to each other to extend from the hinge area 1809 on the same side of the mirror image axis of the tool as it approaches the hinge area. The direction may be reversed.

In FIG. 18A, the distal end fitting region is mounted on the inner (tongue) side of the orthotic device (or, in some cases, the occlusal or buccal side) and applies lateral inward force from either side of the orthotic device. .. For example, in FIG. 18A, the distal fitting end 1805, 1805'fits with the palatal region of the device to secure the device so that the handle is pulled and compressive forces can be applied (laterally inward). Therefore, this compressive force bends or breaks the fracture area and aids in the removal of the instrument. In the deformation shown in FIG. 18B, pulling the two handles apart (and increasing the distance between them as indicated by arrows 1840, 1841) applies compressive force to the orthotic device and thus bends or bends the fracture area. Damage and remove the brace from the patient's teeth.

Any of the device variants described herein may be engaged and disengaged so that the palatal dilator is locked to the patient's superior arch upon wear and facilitates removal from the tooth. For example, the instrument described here fits into the indwelling portion, for example, by operating the release control unit to fit and detach the locking tool from the indwelling part, so that the palatal dilator is placed on the tooth until the locking tool is released. It may include a locking tool that may include a release control unit (eg, latch, lever, switch, tab, arm, snap, etc.) that is secured to. In some variants, the locking and / or unlocking control portion of the locking is in or integrated with the palatal dilator. For example, the release control unit is a latch that fits into and / or an indwelling portion formed from the fitting that is part of the palatal dilator and is joined (or joined) to the patient's teeth. , Bars, pins, tabs, snaps, arms, switches, levers, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the release control unit is part of a fitting that is joined to the patient's teeth and mates with the indwelling portion of the palatal dilator. The indwelling portion may include a groove portion, a hollow portion, a holding tool, a stopper, a hook, a catch, a clasp, a latch, etc., which are fitted with a release control unit to fix (or release) the locking tool.

The device described herein generally has a configuration that provides sufficient retention to prevent movement, relaxation, or accidental removal of the palatal dilator by receiving palatal resistance, but disengages the device from the retention device. Therefore, it may be further configured to allow removal with a physiologically relevant amount of force, eg, a force that can be readily applied by the patient / caregiver. As mentioned above, the retainer can be locking. Therefore, the retention feature described herein provides high retention, for example when locked, but has a relatively weak force to fit and detach the palatal dilator from and / or remove the palatal dilator.

Additional manufacturing allows the manufacture of pre-made fixtures with complex geometric shapes and precision. Also, because it is manufactured via additive manufacturing, complex logging features can be formed in the palatal dilator. The present disclosure introduces a retention feature that has the advantage of providing high retention but with the advantage that the force required to remove it from the retention fixture is low.

For example, what is described herein is a fitting that can be configured as a release control unit for the locking tool or as an indwelling unit to which the release control unit is fixed. For example, the fitting is an opening and / or groove to which the palatal dilator is joined to the tooth and the release control of the palatal dilator is coupled to the fitting so that it can be disengagedly locked to the patient's tooth. It may be an indwelling portion configured to include a groove, a hollow portion, a stopper, a hook, or a catch (generally referred to as an indwelling portion) forming the portion.

19A-19B illustrate an example of a palatal dilator (eg, a system) with a locking tool that has sliding and locking features. As shown in FIG. 19A, the fittings 302, 304 are configured to include an indwelling portion formed in the bracket. Each fitting in this example includes a bracket on the palate dilator or forming grooves 301, 303 into which a release control unit (eg, a latch) of the palate dilator may fit. Each of the fittings is joined to the teeth at the position where the palatal dilator fits. The groove portions 301, 303 of each bracket are appropriately sized so as to be fitted to the latches 306, 308, which are slidably fitted to the groove portions 301, 303 and lock the palate expander at a predetermined position, and hold the latches 306, 308. Including the opening to have. FIG. 19B shows a palate dilator with a pair of locking tools including a pair of release control units 311, 313. Each release control unit provides a latch to fit the latch 306, 308, the palate expander fitting region (for example, the mounting window portion) 305, 307 to be fitted to the fitting, and the indwelling portion of the fitting. Includes main body portions 315 and 317 that slide laterally to and / or the opening at the mounting window opening. The latch locks to a non-locking position so that the palatal dilator is easily removed (eg, pulled out of the indwelling part) or (extends to the indwelling part when the attachment is held in the mounting window). Can be laterally moved to position by the patient and / or caregiver. The mounting window can be the opening of the palatal dilator or a dent in the palatal dilator (eg, cavity, indentation, hollow, etc.) (eg, the body of the palatal dilator, such as the lateral buccal side of the palatal dilator). ..

FIG. 20A illustrates another embodiment of a locking tool in which the palatal dilator can be disengagedly coupled to the patient's teeth. In this example, the palatal dilator 415 is as hooks 401, 403 forming an arm that can flex slightly to fit through the indwelling portion of the fitting attached to the patient's tooth and the mounting window portion of the palatal dilator. Includes a pair of integrally formed release control units. Flexible (eg, elastic, hinged, or semi-elastic) arms 401, 403 place the palatal dilator in the locking position when the dilator is worn by the patient. The release control unit of the palate dilator also removes or disengages the locking tool by pushing the arm of the release control unit out of the indwelling unit so as to bend or flex the palate dilator to release it from the wearer (F). ) Are included in each arm of the release control unit, tabs 402, 404 that assist the patient and / or the caregiver when applying. In FIG. 20A, the fitting may include an indwelling portion that may be configured as a hook (eg, three sides open) as shown in the figure, or may be a groove portion into which the arm of the release control unit may fit. In some modifications, the fitting is configured to have an inclined surface, such as a cam surface, that fits the arm of the release control unit and automatically separates and slides the arm to lock it to the indwelling portion of the fitting. To. Due to the shape of the indwelling part and the release control part, when the device (palate dilator) is pressed against the tooth and the attachment, it automatically fits with the locking tool, but additional force is required to remove the locking tool. do.

FIG. 20B illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the fitting is to include an indwelling portion shown as a lateral opening (eg, with an anterior-posterior opening along the lateral side of the tooth perpendicular to the occlusal surface when mounted on the tooth). It is composed. Therefore, this indwelling portion can be configured as a bracket 428 that can be joined to the patient's teeth. Therefore, the locking tool of the palate dilator 425 includes a release control unit 420 including a protruding arm or member 422 mounted on the flexible elastic arch 424 that is integral with or mounted on the palate dilator 425. obtain. The protruding arm 422 extends to the mounting window 430 and is configured to fit into the groove 226 of the indwelling portion and lock the palate dilator to the mounting tool when the palate dilator is worn by the patient. When a low tensile force is applied to the edge 423 (eg, tab), the edge bends or compresses the flexible arch 424 to allow the protruding arm 422 of the release control to fit and detach from the indwelling portion 428 of the fixture. This releases the palatal dilator from the teeth.

20C and 20D illustrate another example of a locking tool that includes a release control section 432 that fits into the indwelling section 435 of the fitting that is joined to the patient's tooth 437. 20C shows a side view, while FIG. 20D shows a front perspective view. In FIG. 20C, the release control unit is a flexible arm 432 formed on the edge of the palate expander 438. As shown in FIG. 20D, the release control unit, including the tooth attachment, palates the teeth until it is locked into a recess or cavity that forms an indwelling portion on the bottom (gingival facing) surface of the attachment. When the dilator is mounted, it flexes with respect to the indwelling portion of the fitting. The release control unit also includes a tab 442 in which the patient or caregiver applies a force F by hand (or via a tool) to bend the release control unit from the attachment and allow it to be fitted and detached from the indwelling unit.

Any of the variants described herein also aid in the removal of the palatal dilator by urging the palate dilator to separate from the patient's palate and / or teeth in a relaxed state, thus making the palate dilator a tooth. The palatal dilator can be easily removed unless the locking tool that holds it in place is disengaged.

FIG. 21 shows another variant of the palatal dilator configured to be locked to the patient's tooth fitting for easy attachment and detachment of the palatal dilator. In this example, the edge portion (cheek edge portion) of the palate dilator 501 is configured as a release control unit having a shape as a hook 503. The hook 503 is configured to fit into the indwelling portion of the fitting. In FIG. 21, the indwelling portion has two portions 505,507 (although they can be formed as a single fitting or a pair of portions). Each of these components includes a lip or rim with a hook 503 extending in between. In some deformations, each of these components may have different stiffness. The hook 503 is rigid and includes a flexible region 502 that is hinged / bent to fit into the indwelling portion. In some variants, the inner lip / rim 507 is stiffer than the outer lip / rim 505 of the indwelling part of the attachment, thus having sufficient retention force to hold the palatal dilator when worn by the patient. Can be applied to the indwelling part by the hook. The outer (outer) lip / rim of the indwelling portion 505 is more flexible than the inner lip / rim 507, which is when a force is applied to this area to remove the hook 503 of the release control section of the palatal dilator. Helps remove the palatal dilator.

22A-22F and 23 illustrate other variants of the release control and indwelling that can be used to secure the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth. For example, FIG. 22A shows an embodiment in which a ball socket snap mechanism can be used. The release control unit of this case is formed as a containment socket (ball socket) 602, which is part of the palatal dilator (IPE), while the fitting attached to the patient's teeth is as a ball or snap 606. It may include a configured indwelling portion. In this example, the ball or snap is mounted by loading the palatal dilator into the tooth and applying a force to open the release control unit 602, which may include an opening including a flexible region 608. The release control unit also includes the release groove portion 610, the release groove portion passes through the palate dilator (for example, the buccal side of the palate dilator) and further opens, the diameter D of the socket region is expanded, and the indwelling portion is fitted from the release control unit. Take it off. For example, a rod having a taper or an expanding diameter can be used to open the groove 610 to fit and detach the fitting. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, the wearer can be unsnapped by applying a force F that pulls the palatal dilator from the wearer. Instead of the ball shape, other shapes such as triangles, squares, oval, rectangles, etc. may be used. Flexible protrusions 602,604 of the palatal dilator release control allow the dilator to be fitted and removed.

FIG. 22B shows another example of a locking tool configured as a snap (all-around snap) in this example. In FIG. 22B, the fitting 612 includes a rim or edge 632 that is joined to the teeth and is configured as an indwelling portion that helps retain the snap in the mounting window of the palatal dilator. The palatal dilator comprises a cavity (“mounting window”) or opening 616 that fits into the fitting 610. The fitting 610 is connected to the palate dilator and is flexible for easy release when pulled. The inner diameter of the cavity 616 can be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the fitting. Alternatively, the indwelling section 612 may be in the palatal dilator and the release control section 610 may be part of a fitting attached to the patient's teeth.

For example, FIG. 22C shows a deformation in which the locking tool includes a release control unit in the mounting tool. The release control unit includes a pair of arms or protrusions 620,622 or molded protrusions that are attached to the teeth to fit the indwelling portion formed on the palatal dilator 621. The indwelling part of this example is at least a partial opening or groove 623 of the palatal dilator to which the protrusion of the release control part is snapped, as shown in FIG. 22D. In some variants, the protrusions can flex towards each other to allow the release control to be fitted and detached from the indwelling for removal of the palatal dilator, with tabs or protrusions extending to the palatal dilator (non-protrusion). (Illustrated) can be included. The flexibility of the protrusion allows the palatal dilator to be removed by applying a low force. Alternatively, the protrusion may be on the palatal dilator and the indwelling part on the fitting.

22E-22F show another example of a snap-on / snap-fit locking tool that may be used. FIG. 22E shows a schematic view of the fitting between the release control unit 630 and the indwelling unit 632. In this example, the fitting 638 is configured to include an indwelling portion 632 and is joined to the tooth 640. As shown in FIG. 22F, the indwelling portion has a prefabricated shape and may include, for example, rims, lips, edges and the like that are secured to the complementary structure of the release control portion. As shown in FIG. 22F, the fitting 638 provided with the indwelling portion 632 can be fitted into the mounting cavity (mounting window portion) of the palate dilator (IPE) 636. For example, the release control region of the palatal dilator may include a protrusion forming a release control portion that is a flexible region (eg, a flexible arm, etc.) of the outer region of the palatal dilator mounting cavity. Therefore the wearer can be snapped onto the palatal dilator.

Any of the release control units described herein may be configured as an urged release control unit. For example, the release control unit may include a spring, elasticity, or other force retention / release element. For example, FIG. 23 is an example of a release control unit configured as an urging pin 701 that can be used in any of the locking tools described herein. The urging pin includes a spring 703 that pushes the inner rod 707 out of the cylinder 705 that forms the body of the pin. The force (F) is applied to compress the pin and contract it into the cylinder. In some variants, the pin is used as part of a locking release control mechanism that can extend either the inner rod portion or the cylinder body to the indwelling part to secure the palatal dilator to the tooth indwelling part. Can be done. A force may be applied by the patient and / or caregiving to remove the release control unit from the indwelling unit and retract the palatal dilator.

In any of the instruments described herein, multiple locking devices may be used to secure the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth. For example, two or more locking devices (eg, each including an release control unit and mating with the indwelling unit) can be used to secure and then release the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth. .. The locking tool can be placed symmetrically (eg, one on each side of the line of symmetry extending to the median of the palatal dilator). As mentioned above, the locking tool is configured on the buccal side of the palatal dilator, fixing the palatal dilator to the teeth and of the teeth. .. .. Can be configured to prevent.

FIG. 24 shows a variant in which the locking tool that holds the palatal dilator to the tooth includes threaded nuts 801 and 803 that are attached to the patient's tooth. In this example, the threaded nut forms a release control and is isolated or removable from the palatal dilator, but extends from the patient's tooth 807 and is attached to it (eg, part of its attachment). Is fixed to the threaded indwelling part. The palatal dilator in this case includes an opening, notch, or window on the lateral (eg, buccal) side through which the threaded indwelling extending from the tooth passes. As shown, a threaded nut can be used to lock the palatal dilator 807 in place on the tooth. The palatal dilator can be removed by loosening the threaded nut.

As mentioned above, the palatal dilators described herein can be worn by the patient as a dilator series. The various properties and properties of the inventive step palatal dilator are described herein, both schematically and with reference to specific examples. Any of these features and properties may be incorporated into the palatal dilator, including the placement of the features. These palatal dilators, which may be referred to interchangeably as palatal dilator shell devices, may be configured to apply force into the patient's mouth to dilate the patient's maxilla. The patient can be the patient in question, in particular a child 7 to 9 years old, eg, after eruption of the first permanent molar. These instruments can be used to dilate the patient's palate between 4 and 12 mm and above.

The palatal dilators and / or fittings described herein may be formed of a single monolithic material (eg, by 3D printing technology or the like) or may be partially formed by lamination, thermosetting, etc.

The methods and instruments described here treat young prepubertal subjects when the child's mouth has grown sufficiently to accommodate the jaw and tooth structure with the deciduous teeth still remaining in the mouth. Can be used to. Palate dilation can be used prior to alignment therapy. During this treatment, arch deployment is performed by increasing the arch width or depth through the dentition or palatal dilation to create space for more permanent teeth to erupt. In general, aligners do not generate the minimum lateral force required for skeletal palatal dilation.

The palatal dilatation system described herein aids in the deployment of the skeleton and dental arch. An example of the system consists of a series of transpalatal arch features intended to perform palatal dilation. This feature is designed to move / dilate the palate by expanding the maxillary arch outward toward the cheek to increase the size of the transverse palate by applying force to the teeth posterior to the maxilla. Early feasibility There is no treatment plan for the inferior arch for clinical studies. The expansion device wearing time is all hours. A series of dilators that are replaced daily is provided with an expansion speed of 0.25 mm / day. The number of dilators is determined by the desired amount of dilation. This also determines the amount of time the expansion will take place. The device is manufactured after obtaining a digital impression scan of the child's teeth and palate. Therefore, the palatal dilator may be removed or replaced during treatment and include any of the features described herein to improve removal. Patients are recommended to wear the device 24 hours a day. It is recommended to wear each device all day long. Patients are required to wear the device and eat normally. It is recommended that the patient remove the device before going to bed and brush his teeth before placing the next device.

Potential advantages of this treatment may include dilation of the palate and arch that potentially corrects dangerous and harmful malocclusions. The expansion of the palate allows for a large space for permanent teeth to erupt by providing space. Since the dilator is movable, patient hygiene can be improved. Since the dilator is tailored to the patient's anatomy, comfort can be improved without the need for the use of metal screws or brackets that irritate the tongue or palate. Dilation of the palate improves the patient's breathing capacity and increases the airways in the nose and area.

The treatment method described herein is custom-made and made of plastic by a doctor's prescription designed for dilation of the skeletal narrow upper jaw (upper jaw, dental arch and / or palate) during initial suppression treatment of malocclusion. May include a series of removable orthodontic appliances. These instruments are intended for use in dilating the skeletally narrow maxilla (upper jaw, dental arch, and / or palate).

Any of the instruments described herein are used in fixed skeletal dilators and / or oral surgery procedures (eg, with them) to correct severe crowding or jaw imbalance. When oral surgery is required, the risks associated with anesthesia and proper recovery must be considered prior to treatment.

Any of the features and methods described herein for palatal dilators may be applicable to other removable orthodontic appliances, including in particular the orthodontic appliance. For example, the detachable areas, break (eg, hinge) areas, slots / slits, removal tools, etc. described herein may be similarly incorporated into the dental aligner or dental aligner series. Therefore, in the above description, the term "palatal dilator" may be replaced with the term "dental aligner" unless it is clear from the context.

In addition, the examples described herein are illustrated in the context of a palatal dilator for use with one or more wearers of teeth, but these devices and methods are used for devices that do not include a wearer. You may. For example, a detachable area, a smooth underside, etc. may be used for a palatal dilator that does not include a mounting area (for engaging with a tooth fitting).

When a feature and element are referred to herein as "on" another feature or element, there may also be intervening features and / or elements that are directly above the other feature or element. In contrast, there is no intervening feature or element when it is mentioned that the feature or element is "directly above" another feature or element. When a feature or element is referred to as being "connected," "mounted," or "bonded" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, mounted, or coupled to another feature, or an intervening feature or It will also be understood that elements can exist. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there is no intervening feature or element. .. Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements thus described or illustrated are applicable to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that references to structures or features that are "adjacent" to another feature may have portions that are located above or below the adjacent feature.

The terms used herein are intended to describe only certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context explicitly states otherwise. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", as used herein, specify the presence of the features, steps, actions, elements, and / or components described, but one or more. It will be further understood that it does not exclude the existence or addition of other features, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" (and / or) may include any and all combinations of one or more of the related articles listed and may be abbreviated as "/".

Spatial relatives such as "under" (bottom), "below" (bottom), "lower" (bottom), "over" (top), "upper" (top), etc. The term may be used to facilitate an explanation that describes the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and another. It will be appreciated that spatial relatives are intended to include various orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is reversed, the element described as "under" or "beneath" (underneath) of the other element or feature will have the "over" orientation of the other element or feature. Let's do it. Therefore, the exemplary word "under" can include both up and down orientations. The device has other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial relatives used here are interpreted accordingly. Similarly, "upwardly" (upward), "downwardly" (downward), "vertical" (vertical), "horizontal" (horizontal), etc. are used for illustration purposes only, unless otherwise stated. To.

The terms "first" (first) and "second" (second) are used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), but these features / elements have other contexts. Should not be limited to these words unless they indicate. These terms can be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the present invention, the following first feature / element may be referred to as a second feature / element, and similarly, the following second feature / element may be referred to as a first feature / element. good.

Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires others, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" are various components of the method and article (eg, composition and). , Equipment and instruments including methods) can be jointly adopted. For example, the term "comprising" may be understood to imply that it includes the described elements or steps but does not exclude other elements or steps.

In general, any of the instruments and methods described herein should be understood to be inclusive, but all or subsets of components and / or steps may be alternative and exclusive and vary. It may be expressed as a component, a step, a subordinate component, or a subordinate step "consisting of" (consisting of), or alternative, "consisting essentially of" (consisting of essentially).

As used herein and in the claims, all numbers, including those used in the examples, are of "about" or "approximately" unless otherwise stated. Even if the words are not specified, they can be interpreted as being preceded. The phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing the size and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described is within a reasonable expected range of the value and / or position. .. For example, the numerical values are +/- 0.1% of the stated value (or value range), +/- 1% of the stated value (or value range), and +/- 2 of the stated value (or value range). %, +/- 5% of the stated value (or value range), +/- 10% of the stated value (or value range), and the like. Any number listed here should be understood to include about or approximate values, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, when the value of "10" is disclosed, "about 10" is also disclosed. Any number of ranges described herein is intended to include all subranges contained therein. When a value is disclosed, the value "less than or equal to", "greater than or equal to" the value, and the possible range between the values are also disclosed, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Needless to say, there is. For example, when the value of "X" is disclosed, "less than or equal to X" as well as "greater than or equal to X" (eg, X is a number) are also disclosed. It goes without saying that the data is presented in several different formats throughout the application and that this data represents the range of end points and start points and some combination of data points. For example, when a particular data point "10" and a particular data point "15" are disclosed, 10 and 15 are greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, equal to 10. It goes without saying that it is considered to be disclosed together with the period of 15. It goes without saying that each unit between two specific units is also disclosed. For example, when 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13, 14 are also disclosed.

Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, various modifications can be made to the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. For example, the order in which the various method steps described are performed is often modified in alternative embodiments, in which one or more method steps may be omitted collectively. Any feature of the various devices and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the above description is presented primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claimed invention.

The examples and figures contained herein illustrate, but are not limited to, specific embodiments in which the subject is practiced. As mentioned above, structural and logical substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as other embodiments may be utilized and derived from them. Such embodiments of an inventive step subject are optionally limited to a single invention or progressive concept, solely for convenience, and even if one or more are actually disclosed. It may be referred to individually or collectively in the term "invention" without the intent of doing so. Therefore, although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, configurations that are presumed to achieve the same objective may be replaced with the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to accommodate all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reconsideration of the above description.

100 Palate dilator 103, 103'Tooth fitting area 105 Palate area 107 Mounting area 108 Concave bottom surface 150 Palate dilator 153 Palate crossing area 154 Occlusal surface 163 Palate dilator midline 167 Breaking area 251 Upper palate dilator 259 Intermediate Palate Expander 260 Final Palate Expander 261 Passive Holder 267,267', 267 "Break Area 301,303 Groove 302,304 Attacher 305,307 Attacher Coupling Area 306,308 Latch 311,313 Release Control Unit 315 , 317 Main body part 401, 403 Hook 402, 404 Tab 415 Palate dilator 420 Release control part 422 Protrusion control part 423 Edge part 424 Flexible arch 425 Palate dilator 428 Indwelling part 430 Mounting window part 432 Flexible arm 435 Indwelling Part 437 Patient's tooth 438 Palate dilator 442 Tab 455 Excision area 457 Palate dilator 466 Tooth 467, 467', 467 ", 467"', 467 "" Breaking area 471 Occlusal side 480, 480', 480 ", 480"'Tension 497 Occlusal part 498 Mounting part 499 Buccal side 501 Palate dilator 502 Flexible area 503 Hook 505,507 Mounting tool 551,552 Wearing tool 602,604 Flexible protrusion 606 Ball / snap 608 Flexible area 610, 612 Mounting tool 616 Cavity / opening 620, 622 Arm / protrusion 621 Palate dilator 623 Opening / groove 630 Release control unit 632 Detention part 636 Palate dilator 638 Mounting tool 640 Tooth 701 Bounce pin 703 Spring 705 Cylinder 705 751 Removal Tab 752 Fittings 753, 753'Slit 759 Extension 761 Meat Line 767 Breaking Area 780 Gap (Fig. 6B)
788,788'Detachment area 798 Mounting area 801,803 Screwed nut 807 Tooth 844 removal tool 851,851', 851 "Detachment area 853 Tensile force 857 Cantilever dilator 898,898' Fitting area 1003 Ring 1009 Outer area 1011 Finger 1013 fulcrum 1066 detachable area 1103 hook-shaped distal end area 1107 curved part 1205 hook-shaped distal end part 1206 long support arm 1207 second support arm 1213 fulcrum area 1219 control part 1266 detachable area 1305 fitting area 1311 fulcrum area 1318 handle Part 1405 Hook 1411 Abutment area 1418 Handle part 1453 Twist 1455, 1455' Hook end part 1457 Cantilever part 1504 Cantilever part 1504 Removal tool 1507 End 1509 Grip area 1705, 1705' Fitting area 1706, 1706' Handle 1709 Mouth dilator 1805, 1805' Distal Fitting End 2100 Device 2200 Equipment 2203 Claw 2205 Equipment

The novel features of the instruments and methods described herein are presented in detail in the claims that follow. A deeper understanding of the features and advantages will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description, which presents exemplary embodiments in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings.
An example of a palatal dilator including an encapsulation fitting that aids retention in the oral cavity is illustrated. To Illustrated is an example of a palate dilator that can be part of the palate dilator series used to dilate a patient's palate. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the bottom side (opposite side of the tongue) of an example of a palatal dilator shown mounted on a model of the patient's upper dental arch. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of an example of a palate dilator, where dashed line 163 indicates the median line of the palate dilator. FIG. 1C is another rear perspective view of an example of a palatal dilator. FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of an example of the palate dilator of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E is a side perspective view of an example of a palate dilator. FIG. 1F is another rear perspective view of an example of a palatal dilator. FIG. 1G is a top perspective view of an example of a palate dilator, showing a tooth containing cavity and a palate facing top surface. To Patients include a wearing template (shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2A), a gradual palatal dilator series (shown in FIG. 2B), and a passive holder (eg, a retainer shown in FIG. 2C). An example of a system for expanding the palate is illustrated. An example of a method of treating a patient and dilating the patient's palate using the palate dilator described here is shown. An example of a method for forming a palatal dilator is shown. To FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a lateral force (arrow) that can be applied to a patient's palate to dilate the palate and isolate the palate midline suture (eg, midpalate suture, etc.). FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a series of palatal dilators configured to progressively expand the suture (eg, the dilator shown in FIG. 4B is, for example, the entire sequence of eight or more dilators. It does not necessarily represent three directly contiguous dilators (which may be an example taken from). An example of a palatal dilator in which a portion of the palatal region has been removed from the anterior region is illustrated, and similarly, other regions of the instrument, such as the posterior region, may be removed. Alternatively or additionally, any of these instruments may have holes cut out in other areas, including the central area. This example also shows a fracture area that extends along the median of the palatal dilator. Another example of a palatal dilator comprising a fractured area shown to extend along the occlusal surface of the first tooth fitting area is illustrated. The tensile force is also shown. Another example of a palatal dilator containing a fractured region is illustrated, where the fractured region is a non-linear but longitudinally extending line or groove on the occlusal side of the first tooth fitting region. Another example of a palatal dilator comprising a fractured region extending anteroposteriorly on the buccal side of the first tooth fitting region is illustrated. Another example of a palatal dilator comprising a fractured area extending anteroposteriorly at the border between the buccal and occlusal sides of the first tooth fitting area is illustrated. An example of a tooth fitting that can engage the palatal dilator in place is illustrated, in which four fittings (two on each side) secure each palatal dilator to the tooth during treatment. Can be used to. Detachable areas (eg, removal grips or tabs) and two or more that extend from the lateral edge (eg, buccal edge) to the occlusal surface and can be used to aid removal of the device from the subject's mouth. An example of a closure dilator including a lateral hinge region (eg, slot, excision, slit, flexure region, etc.) and a fracture region partially extending in the anterior-posterior direction on the buccal side of the tooth fitting region is illustrated. There is a gap in the palatal dilator to isolate the palatal dilator from the teeth and / or gingiva in a size and configuration such that the patient's nail and / or removal device is inserted and pulls the instrument from the tooth, including the tooth fitting. A cross section of a portion of a palatal dilator configured to include a detachable region formed on the lateral (eg, buccal) edge is illustrated. An example of a palate dilator having a desorption area on the buccal side of a palate dilation shell device is illustrated. In FIG. 7A, two desorption regions are shown, each containing a protruding fulcrum region. Another example of a palatal dilator having a buccal bottom edge region of a palatal dilatation shell configured as a detachable region is illustrated. Another example of a palate dilator having a bottom edge region configured as a detachable region configured to provide a handle on each side of the palate dilator is shown. The enlarged bottom view of the handle area of FIG. 7C is shown. The outline drawing which illustrates the operation of one of the attachment / detachment regions (handles) of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7C to 7D is shown. The enlarged top view of the handle area of FIG. 7C is shown. An example of attachment / detachment of a palatal dilator from the patient's upper dental arch using a removal tool is illustrated. The tool applies tensile force to break or bend the fractured area of the palate dilator shell device along the fractured area, as well as the palate, including the attachment and detachment of the palate dilator for one or more wearers of the patient's teeth. The extended shell device is fitted and removed from the patient's first or second tooth assembly. An example of a tool that can be used to remove a palatal dilator, including a proximal grip area and a distal palatal dilator fitting area, is illustrated. Another example of a removal tool configured to apply tensile force to remove the palatal dilator from the patient's dental arch is illustrated. In FIG. 10A, the removal tool is configured as a ring. The ring can be used with either hand (eg reversible). An enlarged view of the tool of FIG. 10A is shown. The operation of the tools of FIGS. 10A to 10B is illustrated. The tool is used as a finger rest to aid in the use of the fulcrum area, for example by applying tensile force by twisting or rotating to keep the ring stable when removing the palatal expansion device and the ring rotates around the finger. The outer surface includes a flat region 1009 which can prevent the above. To Another example of a tool for removing a palatal dilator by applying a tensile force is illustrated. In FIG. 11A, the tool is shown in front view. 11B shows a side view of the tool of FIG. 11A. 11C is an example of a method of applying a tensile force using the tools of FIGS. 11A-11B to remove the palatal dilator worn on the patient's upper arch. FIG. 11D shows another diagram of the tool used to remove the palatal dilator from the patient. Another example of a tool for removing a palatal dilator by applying a tensile force is illustrated. In FIG. 12, the tool includes a support arm and a tension arm operated by a control unit of the tool (eg, a twist handle in this example). To An example of a removal tool for applying a tensile force to remove a palatal dilator is illustrated. Each of these examples includes a support (eg, fulcrum) arm of a tool that is supported by a palatal dilator and can assist in the application of tensile (removal) forces. Another example of a removal tool for applying force to remove the palatal dilator described herein is illustrated. Here is another example of a removal tool for applying force to remove the palatal dilator described here. Another example of a removal tool for applying force to remove a palatal dilator, in FIG. 14C, the tool can be used on either the right or left side of the patient. To Placing the device in the patient's mouth with an upper dentition arch (Fig. 15A) and clenching the palatal dilator (Figs. 15B and 15C), in some cases fitting it into the tooth, including the fitting. An example of a method of inserting a palatal dilator 2100 into a patient's teeth, including and fixing, is illustrated. To By inserting the nail into the detachable area (FIG. 16A), pulling it from the tooth toward the cheek (FIG. 16B) to fit and detach it from the attachment, and pulling it down (FIG. 16C) to remove the instrument from the tooth. The removal of an example of a palatal dilator including a desorption area is illustrated. To Illustrated another variant of the tool example for removing a palatal dilator, configured to apply a force from the palatal area of the instrument to remove the palatal dilator from the patient's teeth. The tool applies a force to break or bend the palatal dilator shell device along the fracture area (eg, the palatal area of the palatal dilator) by the break area of the palatal dilator shell device to fit and detach the palatal dilator shell device from the patient's teeth. To Illustrates the behavior of another variant of a tool example for removing a palatal dilator, configured to remove a palatal dilator from a patient's teeth by applying force from the palatal area of the instrument. The tool applies a force to break or bend the palatal dilator shell device along the fracture area (eg, the palatal area of the palatal dilator) by the break area of the palatal dilator shell device to fit and detach the palatal dilator shell device from the patient's teeth. To An example of a palate dilation system with a locking tool for easy removal of the palate dilator from the teeth is illustrated. Illustrated is a palatal dilator with elastic hooks and removable parts for easy loading and unloading. Illustrated is a palatal dilator with an elastic locking tool that fits into a bracket. To Another example of a locking tool for a palatal dilator configured to releasably fit with a patient's tooth fitting is illustrated. Illustrated is a palatal dilator in which the top and bottom of the attachment have different hardnesses and angles and the retention and removal forces are designed separately to achieve the desired functionality and removal features. Illustrated is a palatal dilator with a ball socket type joint snap, with the fitting on the ball side and the dilator on the socket side with the flexible protrusion. A palatal dilator with a cylindrical mount is illustrated, the side of the dimA is the mount with snaps, and the dimB is the side of the dilator with the cylindrical slot. To Illustrated is a palatal dilator with protrusions for long-term snap fitting. To The palatal dilator for snap-on fitting is illustrated. Illustrated is a retractable pen mechanism that can be used to fit and remove the palatal dilator with the teeth. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional and side view of a palatal dilator fitted with a tooth, in which nuts and bolts with screws are used to fit or remove the palatal dilator.

4C-4G illustrate examples of palatal dilators that include one or more fracture regions. In FIG. 4C, the palatal dilator includes a fracture region 467 extending from anterior (eg, anterior to the patient's mouth when worn) to posterior (eg, posterior to the patient's mouth when worn). The fracture area may be visible or invisible in the instrument. In some deformations, the fracture area is continuous or nearly continuous (eg>60%,> 65 % >,>70%,>75%,>80%,>85%,> 90%, etc.). Low-strength line, or one of the tooth fitting areas along the anterior-posterior length (eg, along one or more of the occlusal, buccal, and lingual sides of the tooth fitting area, or in between. ) And / or a perforation line comprising a discontinuous region of a low-strength pocket extending to at least a portion of the length of the instrument, such as in the palatal region (eg, between the palatal region and the tooth fitting region). Is. In FIG. 4C, the fracture region extends downward at the median line of the palatal region but at the median line of the instrument.

The examples and figures contained herein illustrate, but are not limited to, specific embodiments in which the subject is practiced. As mentioned above, structural and logical substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as other embodiments may be utilized and derived from them. Such embodiments of an inventive step subject are optionally limited to a single invention or progressive concept, solely for convenience, and even if one or more are actually disclosed. It may be referred to individually or collectively in the term "invention" without the intent of doing so. Therefore, although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, configurations that are presumed to achieve the same objective may be replaced with the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to accommodate all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reconsideration of the above description.
[Appendix 1]
It ’s a palate dilator,
A pair of tooth fitting regions, each extending from anterior to posterior and configured to be worn on the patient's teeth, with a tooth fitting region each including the occlusal side and the buccal side.
A palatal region connecting the pair of tooth fitting regions, the palatal region configured to apply a lateral force between the pair of tooth fitting regions when the device is worn by the patient.
A fracture region extending from anterior to posterior that is configured to flex or break predictably when a tensile force is applied to either or both of the pair of tooth fitting regions. Area and
An instrument that embraces.
[Appendix 2]
The instrument according to Appendix 1, wherein the fractured region has a mechanical strength lower than the mechanical strength of the region adjacent to any side of the fractured region.
[Appendix 3]
The instrument according to Appendix 1, wherein the fractured region includes a perforated region.
[Appendix 4]
The instrument according to Appendix 1, wherein the fractured region includes a crease or groove.
[Appendix 5]
The device according to Appendix 1, wherein the fracture region covers one or more voids in the palatal dilator shell device.
[Appendix 6]
The device according to Appendix 1, wherein the fracture region includes a hinge.
[Appendix 7]
The instrument according to Appendix 1, wherein the fractured region extends on the occlusal side of one of the pair of tooth fitting regions.
[Appendix 8]
The instrument according to Appendix 1, wherein the fracture region is configured to be damaged when a tensile force larger than a predetermined value is applied to the buccal side of one of the pair of tooth fitting regions in the laterally outward direction.
[Appendix 9]
The device according to Appendix 8, wherein the predetermined value is 10N.
[Appendix 10]
The device according to Appendix 8, wherein the predetermined value is between 5N and 100N.
[Appendix 11]
The description in Appendix 1, wherein the fracture region is configured to bend in a hinged manner when a tensile force larger than a predetermined value is applied to the buccal side of one of the pair of tooth fitting regions in a laterally outward direction. Instrument.
[Appendix 12]
The device according to Appendix 11, wherein the predetermined value is 10N.
[Appendix 13]
The device according to Appendix 11, wherein the predetermined value is between 5N and 100N.
[Appendix 14]
The instrument according to Appendix 1, wherein the fracture region is not visible.
[Appendix 15]
The device according to Appendix 1, wherein the fracture region extends from the front end of the palatal expansion shell device to the rear end of the palate expansion shell device.
[Appendix 16]
The instrument according to Appendix 1, further comprising a plurality of attachment areas, each configured to be coupled to the attachment attached to the patient's tooth.
[Appendix 17]
The instrument according to Appendix 16, wherein the fractured region extends adjacent to one or more of the mounting regions along the anterior-posterior axis.
[Appendix 18]
The device according to Appendix 1, further comprising a desorption region on the buccal side of at least one of the pair of tooth fitting regions configured to receive the tensile force.
[Appendix 19]
The device according to Appendix 18, wherein the detachable region comprises one or more of a slot, ledge, notch, lip, or gap at or adjacent to the buccal lower edge.
[Appendix 20]
The instrument according to Appendix 1, further comprising a plurality of vertical slots or slits extending from the buccal bottom towards the fracture area.
[Appendix 21]
It ’s a palate dilator,
A pair of tooth fitting areas, each extending from anterior to posterior and configured to be worn on the patient's teeth, with a tooth fitting area each including the occlusal side and the buccal side.
A palatal region connecting the pair of tooth fitting regions, the palatal region configured to apply a lateral force between the pair of tooth fitting regions when the instrument is worn by the patient.
A fracture region extending from anterior to posterior, the fracture region predictably flexes when a tensile force having a lateral outward component is applied to either or both of the buccal sides of the pair of tooth fitting regions. Or a fractured region having a mechanical strength lower than the mechanical strength of the region adjacent to either side of the fractured region so as to break.
An instrument that embraces.
[Appendix 22]
It ’s a palate dilator,
A palate having a convex geometry, wherein the convex geometry is configured to exert palatal force when engaged with the patient's palate when the palate dilator is inserted into the patient's palate. Face and
A tongue surface opposite the palate surface and having a concave geometric shape configured to provide a gap between the patient's tongue and the palate dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. Face and
A plurality of side walls surrounding the palate surface and at least a part of the tongue surface, and when the palatal dilator is inserted into the palate, a side wall force is applied to one or more of the tongue region of the palate and the patient's tooth. Multiple side walls configured to add, with at least one removal structure that receives the removal force.
A main body having a first deformation criterion corresponding to a substantial first deformation of the main body to which a removal force is applied to the removal structure, and a main body.
One or more fracture regions having a second deformation criterion corresponding to a substantial second deformation of the one or more fracture regions subjected to the application of the removal force to the removal structure, wherein the second deformation. One or more fracture regions whose reference is larger than the first deformation reference,
A palatal dilator that embraces.
[Appendix 23]
A method of forming a palatal dilator,
To collect a virtual representation of the palatal surface, where the palatal surface has a convex geometry and engages with the patient's palate when the palatal dilator is inserted into the patient's palate to apply palatal force. As described above, the protruding surface geometric shape is configured and
Collecting a virtual representation of the tongue surface opposite the palate surface, configured to provide a gap between the patient's tongue and the palatal dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. The tongue surface has a concave geometric shape, and
Collecting virtual representations of a plurality of sidewalls surrounding the palate and at least a portion of the tongue, of the tongue region of the palate and the patient's teeth when the palatal dilator is inserted into the palate. The plurality of side walls are configured so as to apply a side wall force to one or more, and the plurality of side walls have at least one removing structure for receiving the removing force.
By collecting a virtual representation of the main body, the main body has a first deformation criterion corresponding to a substantial first deformation of the main body to which a removal force is applied to the removal structure.
A second deformation corresponding to a substantial second deformation of the one or more fractured regions, which is to collect a virtual representation of the one or more fractured regions, wherein the removed force is applied to the removed structure. The reference is that the one or more fracture regions have the reference and the second deformation reference is larger than the first deformation reference.
Using the virtual representation of the palatal surface, the virtual representation of the tongue surface, the virtual representation of the plurality of side walls, the virtual representation of the body, and the virtual representation of one or more fracture regions. To provide instructions for manufacturing a palatal dilator and
A method of including.
[Appendix 24]
It ’s a palate dilator,
A palate having a convex geometry, wherein the convex geometry is configured to exert palatal force when engaged with the patient's palate when the palate dilator is inserted into the patient's palate. Face and
A tongue surface opposite the palate surface and having a concave geometric shape configured to provide a gap between the patient's tongue and the palate dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. Face and
A plurality of side walls surrounding the palate surface and at least a part of the tongue surface, and when the palatal dilator is inserted into the palate, a side wall force is applied to one or more of the tongue region of the palate and the patient's tooth. Multiple side walls configured to add, with at least one removal structure that receives the removal force.
A main body having a first deformation reference corresponding to a substantially first deformation of the main body to which a removal force is applied to the removal structure, and a main body.
One or more means for breaking a part of the palatal dilator by receiving the removing force, which is substantially the first of the one or more breaking regions to which the removing force is applied to the removing structure. One or more means for breaking the portion of the palatal dilator having a second deformation criterion corresponding to the two deformations, wherein the second deformation criterion is larger than the first deformation criterion. When,
A palatal dilator that embraces.
[Appendix 25]
It ’s a palate dilator,
A palatal surface having a convex geometry, wherein the convex geometry is configured to engage the patient's palate when the palate dilator is inserted into the patient's palate.
A tongue surface opposite the palate surface and having a concave geometric shape configured to provide a gap between the patient's tongue and the palate dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. Face and
A plurality of side walls surrounding the palate surface and at least a part of the tongue surface, and when the palatal dilator is inserted into the palate, a side wall force is applied to one or more of the tongue region of the palate and the patient's tooth. Multiple side walls configured to add, with at least one removal structure that receives the removal force.
By directing the opposing force based on the removing force in a direction facing one or more of the palate force and the side wall force, the facing force from the palate is greater than the combination of the palate force and the side wall force. One or more removal-accepting structures configured to perform palatal dilator removal,
A palatal dilator that embraces.
[Appendix 26]
A palate expansion system for expanding the patient's palate,
The first tooth fitting area, the second tooth fitting area, and the first and second tooth fitting areas are connected to each other between the first tooth fitting area and the second tooth fitting area. A palatal dilator that includes a palatal area configured to apply lateral force,
The buccal side of the first tooth fitting region and the first fitting coupling region,
The first locking tool on the buccal side of the first tooth fitting region, which extends to the first fitting coupling region and fits into the indwelling portion of the first fitting in the first fitting coupling region. A first locking tool that includes a first unlocking control unit configured to lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth until the first locking tool is disengaged.
The buccal second attachment joint region of the second tooth fitting region and
The second locking tool on the buccal side of the second tooth fitting region, which extends to the second fitting region and fits into the indwelling portion of the second fitting in the second fitting coupling region. A second locking tool that includes a second release control unit configured to engage and lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth.
A system that embraces.
[Appendix 27]
A palate expansion system for expanding the patient's palate,
It is a palate dilator and
The first tooth fitting area, the second tooth fitting area, and the first and second tooth fitting areas are connected to each other, and laterally between the first tooth fitting area and the second tooth fitting area. The palatal area configured to apply force,
The first tooth fitting area, the buccal buccal fitting area of the second tooth fitting area, and the buccal attachment area.
The release control unit extends to the attachment region of the plurality of attachment regions of the plurality of locking tools on the buccal side of the first tooth fitting region and the second tooth fitting region. A plurality of locking tools, each of which includes a unlocking control unit having a locking configuration to be released and a non-locking configuration in which the release control unit retracts from the wearer coupling region.
With a palatal dilator that embraces
A plurality of attachments, wherein each attachment includes an indwelling portion configured to engage the release control portion of the locking configuration to lock the palate dilator to the patient's teeth. With the fixture,
A system that embraces.
[Appendix 28]
A palate expansion system for expanding the patient's palate,
It is a palate dilator and
The first tooth fitting area, the second tooth fitting area, and the first and second tooth fitting areas are connected to each other, and laterally between the first tooth fitting area and the second tooth fitting area. The palatal area configured to apply force,
The first tooth fitting area, the buccal buccal fitting area of the second tooth fitting area, and the buccal attachment area.
A plurality of lockers, each of the wearer coupling regions of the plurality of wearer coupling regions being associated with the locking tool of the plurality of lockers, and further within the mounter coupling region. A plurality of locking tools, each of which is configured to engage with the fitting and lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth.
Palate dilator, including
A system that embraces.

Claims (28)

It ’s a palate dilator,
A pair of tooth fitting regions, each extending from anterior to posterior and configured to be worn on the patient's teeth, with a tooth fitting region each including the occlusal side and the buccal side.
A palatal region connecting the pair of tooth fitting regions, the palatal region configured to apply a lateral force between the pair of tooth fitting regions when the device is worn by the patient.
A fracture region extending from anterior to posterior that is configured to flex or break predictably when a tensile force is applied to either or both of the pair of tooth fitting regions. Area and
An instrument that embraces. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the fractured region has a mechanical strength lower than the mechanical strength of the region adjacent to any side of the fractured region. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the fractured region includes a perforated region. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fractured region includes a crease or a groove. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fracture region includes one or more voids in the palatal dilator shell device. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fracture region includes a hinge. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the fractured region extends on the occlusal side of one of the pair of tooth fitting regions. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fracture region is configured to be damaged when a tensile force larger than a predetermined value is applied to the buccal side of one of the pair of tooth fitting regions in the laterally outward direction. The device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined value is 10N. The device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined value is between 5N and 100N. The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the fracture region is configured so as to bend in a hinged manner when a tensile force larger than a predetermined value is applied to the buccal side of one of the pair of tooth fitting regions in a laterally outward direction. Equipment. The device according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined value is 10N. 11. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the predetermined value is between 5N and 100N. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fracture region is not visible. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fracture region extends from the front end of the palatal expansion shell device to the rear end of the palate expansion shell device. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mounting areas, each configured to be coupled to a fitting attached to the patient's tooth. 16. The device of claim 16, wherein the fractured region extends adjacent to one or more of the mounting regions along the anterior-posterior axis. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a desorption region on the buccal side of at least one of the pair of tooth fitting regions configured to receive the tensile force. 18. The device of claim 18, wherein the detachable region comprises one or more of a slot, ledge, notch, lip, or gap at or adjacent to the buccal lower edge. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of vertical slots or slits extending from the buccal bottom towards the fracture area. It ’s a palate dilator,
A pair of tooth fitting areas, each extending from anterior to posterior and configured to be worn on the patient's teeth, with a tooth fitting area each including the occlusal side and the buccal side.
A palatal region connecting the pair of tooth fitting regions, the palatal region configured to apply a lateral force between the pair of tooth fitting regions when the instrument is worn by the patient.
A fracture region extending from anterior to posterior, the fracture region predictably flexes when a tensile force having a lateral outward component is applied to either or both of the buccal sides of the pair of tooth fitting regions. Or a fractured region having a mechanical strength lower than the mechanical strength of the region adjacent to either side of the fractured region so as to break.
An instrument that embraces. It ’s a palate dilator,
A palate having a convex geometry, wherein the convex geometry is configured to exert palatal force when engaged with the patient's palate when the palate dilator is inserted into the patient's palate. Face and
A tongue surface opposite the palate surface and having a concave geometric shape configured to provide a gap between the patient's tongue and the palate dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. Face and
A plurality of side walls surrounding the palate surface and at least a part of the tongue surface, and when the palatal dilator is inserted into the palate, a side wall force is applied to one or more of the tongue region of the palate and the patient's tooth. Multiple side walls configured to add, with at least one removal structure that receives the removal force.
A main body having a first deformation criterion corresponding to a substantial first deformation of the main body to which a removal force is applied to the removal structure, and a main body.
One or more fracture regions having a second deformation criterion corresponding to a substantial second deformation of the one or more fracture regions subjected to the application of the removal force to the removal structure, wherein the second deformation. One or more fracture regions whose reference is larger than the first deformation reference,
A palatal dilator that embraces. A method of forming a palatal dilator,
To collect a virtual representation of the palatal surface, where the palatal surface has a convex geometry and engages with the patient's palate when the palatal dilator is inserted into the patient's palate to apply palatal force. As described above, the protruding surface geometric shape is configured and
Collecting a virtual representation of the tongue surface opposite the palate surface, configured to provide a gap between the patient's tongue and the palatal dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. The tongue surface has a concave geometric shape, and
Collecting virtual representations of a plurality of sidewalls surrounding the palate and at least a portion of the tongue, of the tongue region of the palate and the patient's teeth when the palatal dilator is inserted into the palate. The plurality of side walls are configured so as to apply a side wall force to one or more, and the plurality of side walls have at least one removing structure for receiving the removing force.
By collecting a virtual representation of the main body, the main body has a first deformation criterion corresponding to a substantial first deformation of the main body to which a removal force is applied to the removal structure.
A second deformation corresponding to a substantial second deformation of the one or more fractured regions, which is to collect a virtual representation of the one or more fractured regions, wherein the removed force is applied to the removed structure. The reference is that the one or more fracture regions have the reference and the second deformation reference is larger than the first deformation reference.
Using the virtual representation of the palatal surface, the virtual representation of the tongue surface, the virtual representation of the plurality of side walls, the virtual representation of the body, and the virtual representation of one or more fracture regions. To provide instructions for manufacturing a palatal dilator and
A method of including. It ’s a palate dilator,
A palate having a convex geometry, wherein the convex geometry is configured to exert palatal force when engaged with the patient's palate when the palate dilator is inserted into the patient's palate. Face and
A tongue surface opposite the palate surface and having a concave geometric shape configured to provide a gap between the patient's tongue and the palate dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. Face and
A plurality of side walls surrounding the palate surface and at least a part of the tongue surface, and when the palatal dilator is inserted into the palate, a side wall force is applied to one or more of the tongue region of the palate and the patient's tooth. Multiple side walls configured to add, with at least one removal structure that receives the removal force.
A main body having a first deformation reference corresponding to a substantially first deformation of the main body to which a removal force is applied to the removal structure, and a main body.
One or more means for breaking a part of the palatal dilator by receiving the removing force, which is substantially the first of the one or more breaking regions to which the removing force is applied to the removing structure. One or more means for breaking the portion of the palatal dilator having a second deformation criterion corresponding to the two deformations, wherein the second deformation criterion is larger than the first deformation criterion. When,
A palatal dilator that embraces. It ’s a palate dilator,
A palatal surface having a convex geometry, wherein the convex geometry is configured to engage the patient's palate when the palate dilator is inserted into the patient's palate.
A tongue surface opposite the palate surface and having a concave geometric shape configured to provide a gap between the patient's tongue and the palate dilator when the palate dilator is inserted into the palate. Face and
A plurality of side walls surrounding the palate surface and at least a part of the tongue surface, and when the palatal dilator is inserted into the palate, a side wall force is applied to one or more of the tongue region of the palate and the patient's tooth. Multiple side walls configured to add, with at least one removal structure that receives the removal force.
By directing the opposing force based on the removing force in a direction facing one or more of the palate force and the side wall force, the facing force from the palate is greater than the combination of the palate force and the side wall force. One or more removal-accepting structures configured to perform palatal dilator removal,
A palatal dilator that embraces. A palate expansion system for expanding the patient's palate,
The first tooth fitting area, the second tooth fitting area, and the first and second tooth fitting areas are connected to each other between the first tooth fitting area and the second tooth fitting area. A palatal dilator that includes a palatal area configured to apply lateral force,
The buccal side of the first tooth fitting region and the first fitting coupling region,
The first locking tool on the buccal side of the first tooth fitting region, which extends to the first fitting coupling region and fits into the indwelling portion of the first fitting in the first fitting coupling region. A first locking tool that includes a first unlocking control unit configured to lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth until the first locking tool is disengaged.
The buccal second attachment joint region of the second tooth fitting region and
The second locking tool on the buccal side of the second tooth fitting region, which extends to the second fitting region and fits into the indwelling portion of the second fitting in the second fitting coupling region. A second locking tool that includes a second release control unit configured to engage and lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth.
A system that embraces. A palate expansion system for expanding the patient's palate,
It is a palate dilator and
The first tooth fitting area, the second tooth fitting area, and the first and second tooth fitting areas are connected to each other, and laterally between the first tooth fitting area and the second tooth fitting area. The palatal area configured to apply force,
The first tooth fitting area, the buccal buccal fitting area of the second tooth fitting area, and the buccal attachment area.
The release control unit extends to the attachment region of the plurality of attachment regions of the plurality of locking tools on the buccal side of the first tooth fitting region and the second tooth fitting region. A plurality of locking tools, each of which includes a unlocking control unit having a locking configuration to be released and a non-locking configuration in which the release control unit retracts from the wearer coupling region.
With a palatal dilator that embraces
A plurality of attachments, wherein each attachment includes an indwelling portion configured to engage the release control portion of the locking configuration to lock the palate dilator to the patient's teeth. With the fixture,
A system that embraces. A palate expansion system for expanding the patient's palate,
It is a palate dilator and
The first tooth fitting area, the second tooth fitting area, and the first and second tooth fitting areas are connected to each other, and laterally between the first tooth fitting area and the second tooth fitting area. The palatal area configured to apply force,
The first tooth fitting area, the buccal buccal fitting area of the second tooth fitting area, and the buccal attachment area.
A plurality of lockers, each of the wearer coupling regions of the plurality of wearer coupling regions being associated with the locking tool of the plurality of lockers, and further within the mounter coupling region. A plurality of locking tools, each of which is configured to engage with the fitting and lock the palatal dilator to the patient's teeth.
Palate dilator, including
A system that embraces.

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